Over the years, it has become very clear to me that one of the closest things to the “fountain of youth” may be obtained by regular activity such as walking or weight-bearing exercises; therefore, by strengthening muscles, boosting the amount of oxygen consumed, during the activity, you improve your aerobic ability by 15 to 20 per cent. The benefits derived from exercise has surprised Researchers (Consumer Reports) as they have found that these consistent exercises, may prolong life by adding as much as 10 to 20 years to your life if done consistently, which is a definite benefit to healthy living.

consistently shown that being active cuts the risk of early death by about 50 per cent for both sexes. Your heart becomes stronger, your lungs become healthier, and your joints will love you! Exercise stimulates the growth of new brain cells in older adults as well which is a definite plus.

According to Dr. Andrew Weil,in his book “Healthy Aging”, he states that “walking is the overall best exercise that can fullfill the body’s need for regular aerobic exercise, if you do it vigorously.” He also states “The human body is designed to walk, requires no equipment, and it carries the lowest risk of injury.” “The human body is designed to walk” Dr. Weil states.

Walking is a perfect conditioner for joints. It is something that we can do for life, and all we need is a good pair of walking shoes. Make certain you get fitted properly for your shoes. You have the option to join a walking club as well.

Obesity is becoming one of the top killers of North Americans, next to cancer and heart attacks and strokes. Exercise and lowering calories is the best thing you can do for your body. Use the stairs instead of the elevators. Park your vehicle further away so you have to walk further to get to it. Walk in the malls if you do not feel comfortable by yourself. Get a certified Nutritionist or Dietitian to set up a special program for your healthy eating and exercising. Above all, encourage your grandchildren to walk with you.

Exercise may reduce colon cancer by moving the wastes through the body faster; thus lowering the insulin levels. Researchers have found that exercise may also protect against breast cancer and prostate cancer by regulating hormones. If you find walking difficult, then try the swimming pools made available to you in your area. Swimming actually takes the stress of all the joints which is a big relief to your body, if walking is not your fortee.

Exercise can help keep you young by fighting the stresses in your life. Exercise actually lowers the stress hormones, and gives you a better outlook on life in general. It helps to keep depression and the blues away and regular aerobic exercise can work as well as anti-depressants. If you are able, buy a treadmill to put in your home to help initiate exercise.

Researchers have also found that moderate workouts may actually help reduce infections by temporarily boosting the immune system. The immune cells have a greater aggressive capacity to fight off infections. Fewer colds are caught by people who exercise.

Pelvic exercises may help to prevent erectile dysfunction and possibly benign prostate enlargement, which is of course, a common cause of urinary problems for men. These exercises are also excellent for women, but they would be called “Kegel” exercises, similar to holding your pelvic and anal muscles together. This will help to stop those annoying urinary drips if you work at these exercises regularly.

According to Consumers’ Health magazine, increasing activity aids in reducing night sweats, and sweating from menopausal activity, hot flashes, enhances menopausal moods. This seems to me a far better way then using pharmaceuticals to relieve these problems.

Exercising the upper body and using breathing exercises can reduce the need to use an inhaler in mild cases of asthma, new evidence shows, according to Consumer Report Health. So many people have inhalers, and if we can relieve the asthma mildly by exercise, why not try it first?

Lastly, control of our blood sugar levels ils very important. Exercise helps maintain a healthy blood-sugar level by increasing the cells’ sensitivity to insulin and thereby controlling body weight. Regular vigorous walking can significantly cut the risk of developing Diabetes Type 2.

A recent issue of “Health News” from the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine looked at the problem of “exercise resistance.” Many of us can think of a million other things to do rather than exercise. Take a look at the reasons you may have resistance to exercise. It is often noted that the idea of exercise is hopeless, despairing, angry and you just do not feel like doing it.

Listed above are many of the reasons for exercising and what it does for your body and mind. Choose positive things in your life to include exercise. You will feel better for it and find out one of the secrets to better healthy living just by consistent exercise.

Listed above are the many reasons for increasing our level of exercise which have obvious healthy benefits for healthy living. I think it is time we do our part and become a pro-exerciser to improve our health, rather than relying on pharmaceuticals to save the day.

Carole-Anne Stanway
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