Exercise is Medicine Article

"In a recent article, investigators in New Zealand examined the long-term effectiveness of the Green Prescription (GRx) program on patient physical activity (PA) levels. While several studies have shown that the GRx is effective in raising PA levels over the short-term, few have examined the long-term effectiveness of the program. In patients that adhered to the GRx, 42 percent reported increasing their PA levels for an increase of 64 minutes of activity per week, as well as a 30 percent reduction in the risk of being sedentary. 

The results of this study provide additional evidence that giving patients exercise prescriptions is capable of changing their short- and long-term PA behaviors." (www.exerciseismedicine.org)

Note: GRx is a program in which physicians and/or nurses recommend exercise to patients.

One Good Reason to Exercise - Life

A study by Booth, Roberts and Laye (2012) found, as other researchers have found, a link between activity and longevity. According to the study cited above, active adults have a 30% lower risk of premature death. They found that data gathered by anti-aging research supports an inverse relationship premature death and physical activity in adults. The human body was made to move. Sedentary lifestyles have a negative effect on cells, gene function, the immune system and human movement that cause accumulative dysfunctions that accelerate death.

Similar studies have found that active adults who follow a healthy lifestyle a 3 to 5 year end of life period of debilitation compared to a debilitation period of 8-15 years for sedentary adults. In short, regular physical activity allows you to live longer and healthier with the prospect of living independently about 3 to 5 times as long.

As a bonus, you look better, feel better and function better. Why would you not want to become active?