When it comes to chronic physical health problems, "the single thing that comes close to a magic bullet, in terms of its strong and universal benefits, is exercise,“ Frank Hu, epidemiologist at the Harvard School of Public Health, states in Harvard Magazine. This quote appears in health columnist Jane E. Brody‘s article on the multi-facted roles of exercise in healing ("You Name It, and Exercise Helps It,“ The New York Times, 29 Apr 08). In what could be seen as a dream come true, Brody asserts that exercise can "lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, dementia, osteoporosis, gallstones, diverticulitis, falls, erectile dysfuntion, peripheral vascular disease and 12 kinds of cancer.“
Brody describes the clear physical benefits of exercise for people suffering from such maladies as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, circulation problems, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. "The data show that regular moderate exercise increases your ability to battle the effects of disease,“ Dr. Marilyn Moffat, a professor of physical therapy at New York University, is quoted by Brody. "It has a positive effect on both physical and mental well-being. The goal is to do as much physical activity as your body lets you do, and rest when you need to rest.“
Regarding the benefits of physical exercise for emotional well-being, Brody refers to an article in the February/March issue of ACE Certified News by Natalie Digate Muth, a registered dietitian and personal trainer. Muth emphasizes the value of a good workout for people suffering from depression. "Exercise is an important adjuct to pharmacological therapy, and it does not matter how severe the depression – exercise works equally well for people with moderate or severe depression.“
The benefits of physcial exercise are multiple. "With regular exercise, the body seeks to continue staying active,“ Brody quotes Dr. Dr. Nancy Trevanian Tsai, an assistant professor of neurosciences at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. "Over time, a sense of accomplishment, better sleep, less pain and enhanced satisfaction with life can become further reasons to pursue physical activity.“
The universal dream, the goal and ideal, of a healthy body and a vibrant life, is attainable by just about everyone. Regular physcial exercise can make this dream come true!