Exercise Instead of Medicine?
I am not an athlete. Many would not consider me a serious exerciser. However, in the past few years I have experienced significant benefits from working out.
A gym for some is intimidating and overwhelming. There are many physical activities for you to keep your body healthy that do not require a gym membership. These “workouts” are backed by mounting research and can do wonders for your health.
Health benefits of exercise have been noted since Biblical times. Modern science has confirmed ancient wisdom: physical activity may benefit your health as much if not more than medicine. Scientists are learning more each day about physical activities’ medicinal qualities. If exercise were a pill, it would be a trillion-dollar money maker prescribed to everyone.
I often say that I never use the E word (exercise) with folks I support. Instead, I use the name of the exercise to suggest an activity. For example, the choice of walking, dancing or even household chores are forms of exercising.
Adults with disabilities are three times more likely to have heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer than adults without disabilities. Aerobic physical activity can help reduce the impact of these chronic diseases, yet nearly half of all adults with disabilities get no leisure time aerobic physical activity.
Workouts are activities that can be implemented no matter the age or physical ability of the person or group of people. When those I support see me engaging in an activity that I have suggested they take part in, they are more likely to get up and start moving. We all benefit from the physical activity, especially if it becomes a consistent activity a few times a week. Another perk is not having to schedule time to exercise outside of work time!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers Key Guidelines for Adults with Disabilities along with additional information and examples of physical activities. Check it out at www.cdc.gov. Look for Increasing Physical Activities Among Adults with Disabilities.
Take a look at some good reasons for you to encourage the individuals that you support to work with you to GET MOVING.
Exercise is good for your heart
Even a moderate amount of exercise helps. It reduces LDL cholesterol, the kind that clogs arteries. It also reduces blood pressure, relieving stress on the heart; improves insulin sensitivity; improves heart muscle function; and blood flow and diminishes the chances of developing blood clots.
Exercise is an excellent de-stressor
It counters stress and depression acting as a temporary diversion to daily stresses and it improves self-esteem.
Exercise prevents colds
Health experts believe that exercise spikes the immune system for a few hours each day, helping to ward off colds. Thirty minutes of brisk walking is enough to make you reap the benefits of exercise.
Exercise reduces diabetic complications
Lifestyle factors have a huge impact on certain conditions. Diabetes is one of them. Exercise can help to reduce insulin requirements, lower cholesterol levels and high blood pressure and in long term can reduce the development of heart disease and stroke. Exercise can also promote weight loss, improve circulation and reduce stress levels (raising glucose levels).
Exercise improves sleeping patterns
Relaxation exercises will help to ease tension and relieve headaches, backaches and insomnia. It releases the body’s own painkillers, called endorphins, into the system. It also helps to gain a sense of emotional wellbeing and a feeling of being more in control.
Avoid being physically inactive. Show the folks you support a healthy example of self-care. Any physical activity can be adapted for participation to be enjoyable and beneficial. Swimming, dancing, yoga, household chores, or yardwork will get the body working in a physical way to produce healthy outcomes!
Good luck and enjoy the results!
