Exercise in Relation to Chronic Disease
Millions of Americans suffer from illnesses that can be prevented or improved through regular physical activity. Currently, more than sixty percent of American adults are not regularly active, and twenty-five percent of the adult population is not active at all.
- 13.5 million people have coronary heart disease.
- 1.5 million people suffer from a heart attack in a given year.
- 8 million people have adult-onset (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes.
- 95,000 people are newly diagnosed with colon cancer each year.
- 250,000 people suffer from a hip fractures each year.
- 50 million people have high blood pressure.
- Over 60 million people (a third of the population) are overweight.
Regular physical activity can also help manage the symptoms of chronic disease and improve quality of life. Even small increases in light to moderate activity will improve your health if you are not currently active. This is important for people who are inactive and who already deal with chronic diseases. Even as little as five minutes a day of physical activity can help; from there the level of exercise can gradually be increased.
Find something that you enjoy doing and stick with it. Exercise is important in the prevention and management of heart disease. According to the National Institute of Health, it can reduce risk of stroke, heart attack, and improve psychological well-being.