Fitness Improves Health
Being out-of-shape is almost as strong a risk factor for a
heart attack as smoking. A study in the Journal of the American
Medical Association (December 21, 2005) shows that being out-of-shape markedly increases your risk for being fat, storing most
of your fat in your belly, having a high bad LDL cholesterol and
high blood pressure, and having low levels of the good HDL
cholesterol.
We live in a society in which 91 percent of the population
develops high blood pressure, 78 percent will have high
cholesterol, and 35 percent are diabetic. More than 50 percent
of us die of heart attacks and strokes from these risk factors.
Doctors no longer think of heart attacks, strokes and diabetes as
just being due to our genes. We now consider these diseases to
be caused by our behavior. You prevent heart attacks, strokes
and diabetes by 1) exercising; 2) reducing your exposure to
saturated fats (meat and chicken), partially hydrogenated fats
(most prepared foods), and refined carbohydrates (flour and
sugar); 3) eating large amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, beans, and nuts; 4) avoiding overweight; and 5) avoiding
smoking.
We have known for many years that any kind of exercise
or activity helps to prevent heart attacks, but more recent data
show that the more vigorous the exercise, the better the
protection. First check with your doctor to see if you have a
medical condition that could be aggravated by exercising.
People who are out-of-shape are the ones most likely to suffer
heart attacks when they start an exercise program. With your
doctor's permission, you are ready to start a training program.
The best sports for preventing heart attacks are those in
which you exercise continuously. You could run, dance, cycle or
swim. It's important to pick an activity that you enjoy, because
more than 85 percent of middle aged people who start an
exercise program drop out in the first six weeks. Those who are
most likely to continue exercising do it with a partner or in a
group. Recruit your spouse or best friend, hire personal trainer
or join a class at a nearby health club. Just do it!
Checked 9/29/08