According to a recent study conducted by a prominent University in Sweden, exercise during leisure and while at work significantly reduces the chance of having a myocardial infarction (heart attack). The research indicated that any type of regular exercise is capable of improving cardiovascular health, and therefore reducing the likelihood of cardiovascular events like strokes and heart attacks. This is not the first study prove the correlation between exercise and decreased cardiovascular disease, as a similar study showed that consistent exercise reduces the risk of heart attack by at least 14%.
The research included a total of more than 10,000 individuals, with data collected from more than 262 centers in 50+ countries on all continents. Aside from making exercise a hobby, researchers stated that simply having a more active occupation may lower your risk of a heart attack. Individuals that have an inactive occupation/lifestyle are encouraged to increase their daily amount of physical activity.
In an editorial review of the study, one of the doctors stated that staying in shape through regular exercise is one of the “easiest and cheapest ways” to avoid expensive medical bills later in life. A sedentary lifestyle not only puts you at risk for heart attacks and strokes, but also nearly every other type of degenerative disease. While the recent Swedish study did have some limitations, it has become a consensus in the scientific community that exercising regularly can only be beneficial.
If the body is not actively moving for at least a small portion of the day, organs simply cannot function optimally because blood flow is decreased throughout the body. Exercise promotes the strengthening of the heart, and subsequently the cleansing of the blood. As your blood is pumped throughout your bodily systems at an increased rate, it becomes easier for your liver and kidneys to filter impurities and produce essential enzymes and hormones.
Aside from combating chronic and acute disease, studies have shown that people who exercise at least three times per week have a higher quality of life and higher self-confidence. Even people that have physical disabilities can participate in some type of therapeutic and beneficial exercise. As always, it is important to consult with your physician before beginning any dietary or exercise regimen.
In addition to confirming the link between active living and good overall health, The study also showed that individuals that own a car and/or a television were more likely to have an acute myocardial infarction. This is not surprising, since owning these items would likely lead to a less active lifestyle overall. Of course, one could still own a vehicle and choose to ride a bike or walk to nearby destinations.
The general consensus seems to be that walking more often than driving to and from close destinations is a good way to get you activity in for the day. Because of the millions of people who suffer from obesity a number of studies are being conducted to help offset the condition and help people with their overall health.