Exercise is MedicineIn the 1950’s, a study of over 30,000 London bus service employees found that bus drivers, who spent most of their day sat down, were three times more likely to die from a heart attack than the bus conductors, who were on their feet all day. The study also found that the average uniform size of the drivers was larger than the conductors, suggesting a link between inactivity, obesity and heart disease. Since then, we have all become less active as a result of modern transport methods, longer commutes, desk based jobs, watching television or using the internet. However physical activity remains a vital ingredient to wellbeing because: It improves appetite regulation It actually increases our energy levels, so the more energy we expend, the more we have! It boosts production of endorphins which enhance our mood and burn off stress hormones It enhances brain function and memory It improves sleep quality It increases confidence levels and feelings of self worth It decreases blood pressure It improves cholesterol status It boosts production of anti-oxidants which mop up the free radicals than can cause disease It improves balance which can help to prevent falls It increases bone strength
Can you think of any more? Are you getting your 30 minutes of physical activity every day? Do let me know.
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