Fitness – The Path to Health
I’m currently taking two classes at IUS: the first is a writing class, requiring a research paper, and also a Women’s Health class, requiring a 10-minute presentation on any topic with connection to the health of women. Being lazy (and resourceful) I have connived a way to use one topic for both assignments. Fitness.
During my time-consuming (and interesting) research, I thought I’d focus on diet and the myriad of ways you can incorporate exercise into your life. My research has reminded me how far-reaching the effects of obesity are and how lack of fitness shapes our lives. I thought I’d talk about how I have become interested in fitness as an attempt to slow the effects of aging and how much better I feel since I’ve been exercising regularly. I have also been emboldened to share the message of how quality and length of life are very directly related to obesity and fitness.
Effects of Obesity- Why do we care?
The Surgeon General has declared obesity responsible for 300,000 deaths every year — a toll surpassed only by tobacco, to which 400,000 deaths are attributed. So why is tobacco getting so much more attention – obesity is KILLING us.
Diabetes- Obesity is the major cause of Type 2 diabetes. Even moderate obesity dramatically increases the risk of diabetes.
Cancer- Being overweight contributes to an increased risk for a variety of cancers including breast, colon, gallbladder, and uterus.
Heart Disease- Hardening of the arteries is present 10 times more often in obese people compared to those who are not obese.
Blood Pressure- Increases the workload of the heart because it must pump more blood through additional blood vessels.
Joint problems, including osteoarthritis - Obesity can affect the knees and hips because of the stress placed on the joints by extra weight.
Sleep apnea and respiratory problems - Sleep apnea, which causes people to stop breathing for brief periods, interrupts sleep throughout the night and causes sleepiness during the day. Respiratory problems associated with obesity occur when added weight of the chest wall squeezes the lungs and causes restricted breathing.
Brain Function- Exercise increases energy levels and increases serotonin in the brain, which leads to improved mental clarity.
Psychosocial effects - People who are overweight or obese frequently suffer disadvantages.
Psychological effects- Regular physical activity can improve your mood and the way you feel about yourself. Researchers have also found that exercise is likely to reduce depression and anxiety and help you to better manage stress.
And on and on and on with the effects…
So along with the jillions of dollars worth of medical care and prescriptions, we need to spend a few more dollars for some good sneakers and USE THEM. There are all kinds of studies out about why obesity is increasing but the only magic fix is to Eat Less and Move More. I’ve found that if you begin with the ‘move more’ – it motivates you to eat less. You think a little harder about those fries after working so hard to burn calories. Wouldn’t it be great to feel great!? Strap those sneakers on and get moving!
Image from clipartheaven.com
Jan, great article. Great message.