Exercise in the Prevention and Treatment of Almost Every Chronic Disease

Exercise may be described as a ‘polypill’ to prevent and/or treat almost every chronic disease, with obvious benefits such as its low cost and practical lack of adverse effects. As opposed to exercise though, no drug intervention has proven efficient to maintain muscle fitness, a key factor to ensure independent living throughout all stages of life. But, how many people take advantage of the benefits of physical activity and exercise? Overall, there is a low prevalence of meeting the current physical activity guidelines in all age, sex and race/ethnic groups. Among adults the prevalence of meeting the aerobic component of the guidelines is approximately 51%., whereas only 27% of high school students meet the aerobic component of the pediatric guidelines (60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous activity).

Over the past three decades, cardiorespiratory fitness has emerged as a strong predictor of all-cause and disease-specific mortality. The evidence supporting the predictive use of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is so powerful that the American Heart Association recently advocated for the routine assessment of CRF as a clinical vital sign.

Cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, diabetes and several forms of cancer are leading causes of death and poor health globally. Collectively, these conditions have a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals, families and communities, placing an unsustainable burden on health systems. There is hope for the chronic disease crisis in that these conditions are largely preventable or can be delayed to much later in life through a timeless medicine, healthy living.

Attend our upcoming classes to learn about healthy living including information about exercise, nutrition and more! The first in the series is January 23rd at our office and will discuss natural strategies to reduce pain.  Call 937-456-4555 to register.

 

References:

1: Harber MP, Kaminsky LA, Arena R, Blair SN, Franklin BA, Myers J, Ross R. Impact of Cardiorespiratory Fitness on All-Cause and Disease Specific Mortality:  Advances Since 2009. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2017 Jun – Jul;60(1):11-20. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2017.03.001. Epub 2017 Mar 9. Review. PubMed PMID: 28286137.

2: Katzmarzyk PT, Lee IM, Martin CK, Blair SN. Epidemiology of Physical Activity and Exercise Training in the United States. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2017 Jun – Jul;60(1):3-10. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2017.01.004. Epub 2017 Jan 12. Review. PubMed PMID: 28089610.

3: Fiuza-Luces C, Garatachea N, Berger NA, Lucia A. Exercise is the real polypill. Physiology (Bethesda). 2013 Sep;28(5):330-58. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00019.2013. Review. PubMed PMID: 23997192.

 

 

By |2018-01-12T12:39:31-05:00January 12th, 2018|Categories: Exercise|Tags: , , , , , |Comments Off on Exercise in the Prevention and Treatment of Almost Every Chronic Disease

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About the Author:

Dean Smith, DC, PhD, husband, and father of two children, is a highly respected health and wellness authority. He is a chiropractor at Essence of Wellness Chiropractic Center and a researcher and clinical professor at Miami University. Dr. Smith incorporates lifestyle intervention (exercise, nutrition, other non-drug methods) with chiropractic adjustments and other manual methods to encourage optimal wellness. He has helped countless adults and children lead a life of wellness. His research interests lie broadly in the area of human movement and coordination. He is most interested in how chiropractic, exercise and rehabilitation affect human performance. His scientific articles have been published in such journals as Human Movement Science, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Chiropractic Research Journal, Chiropractic and Osteopathy and The Open Neurology Journal. His training includes a Master’s degree in exercise science, a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a PhD in brain and cognitive science with a focus on motor control and coordination. The International Federation of Sports Chiropractic has awarded him with the International Chiropractic Sport Science Diploma (ICSSD).
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