Exercise Is Medicine

What if there was one prescription that could prevent and treat dozens of diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity—would you take it?  The good news is that this medication is available to everyone and it’s free!  The magic pill everyone is seeking is exercise—exercise is medicine. 

The benefits of physical activity go beyond the scale.  Consider the emotional benefits of regularly moving your body and releasing those feel good chemicals called endorphins.  What about the social benefits of exercising with a friend?  Think about the financial advantages.  Your commitment to be fit will mean fewer visits to the doctor and pharmacist.  Take a look at these numbers provided by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Regular physical activity at the correct intensity:

•         Reduces the risk of heart disease by 40%.

•         Reduces the incidence of diabetes by almost 50%.

•         Reduces the incidence of high blood pressure, by almost 50%.

•         Can reduce mortality and the risk of recurrent breast cancer by almost 50%.

•         Can lower the risk of colon cancer by over 60%.

•         Can reduce the risk of developing of Alzheimer’s disease by one-third.

•         Can decrease depression as effectively as Prozac or behavioral therapy.

The benefits of your pledge to “Commit to be Fit” are countless.  What are you waiting for?  Exercise is medicine!