Take 5 For Good Health
You know exercise is good for you, but do you know how good?
From boosting your mood to improving your heart, BP and overall health, find out how exercise can improve your life.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-this-site/welcome
1. Exercise controls weight
Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn.
You do not have to join a gym: walk 3 times a week and work up to 150 min a week. (AHA).
Take the stairs or park further away from stores so you walk more. Consistency is the key.
In bad weather, walk in the mall (wear a mask to prevent exposure to Flu and Covid).
Invest in a treadmill or stationary bike.
If you are eligibile, join Silver Sneakers and work out in the comfort of your home. It is free. All you need is space and a laptop. https://tools.silversneakers.com/https://tools.silversneakers.com/Eligibility
YouTube has great programs
2. Exercise combats health conditions and diseases
Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight is, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol, and it decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes, depression, cancer, and arthritis, and improves balance to prevent falls. Exercise lowers risk of death from all causes.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
3. Brain function
Exercise improves cognition, and releases “feel good” chemicals which helps fight depression.
4. Energy
Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. When your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores. It may even help with quitting smoking.
5. Better Sleep
Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any concerns about your fitness, have not exercised for a long time, or have chronic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis. Start slow and increase time as you go.
To your Good Health!
Cathy Gegaris
