The Wonder Drug

Decreases your risk of a heart attack

Helps to lower your cholesterol

Decreases your risk of a stroke

Decreases your risk of breast cancer

May decrease your risk of colon cancer

Helps ward off the development of Alzheimer’s disease

Keeps your mind more active at all ages

Improves the quality of sleep

Helps to keep your weight under control

Slow or stops the age-related loss of muscle mass and increase in body fat

Increases energy levels

Decreases the incidence of urinary incontinence

Helps prevent developing osteoporosis and resultant hip or spinal fractures

Decreases symptoms of mild depression

Helps to alleviate the symptoms of stress

Makes you feel better about yourself

Helps you live a longer, healthier life.

What is this wonder drug? Everyone at any age can use it and it is free from harmful side effects. It is regular exercise. Many research studies have been done that show the benefits of regular exercise. Different regimens have been described, but in general everyone should get at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise three to four times a week and some type of weight training (to build muscle mass) twice a week. Cardiovascular exercise consists of any activity that gets you moving and increases your heart rate. Walking, running, dancing swimming and riding a bike are examples of cardiovascular exercise. Weight training involves lifting increasingly heavy weights to build strength in muscles.

Exercise can be done at a health club or in your own house. Some people like the camaraderie of exercising in groups (be it an aerobics class or a walk with friends) others prefer to exercise alone. Some people have a consistent regimen; some like variety. There is no one perfect exercise regimen, the key is to find something you enjoy and will do on a regular basis.

Many of us lead sedentary lives because of work, time spent watching television and using computers. Think about ways you can increase your level of physical activity. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park further away from your destination, walk instead of driving, ride a bike, go for a walk during a lunch or coffee break.

Good habits start in childhood so emphasize the benefits of physical activity to your children and grandchildren. Limit hours spent in front of the television and computer. Make sure children have the opportunity to run around or ride their bikes. Encourage their participation in sports. Go on family walks, it is a great way to encourage communication as well as increase activity levels.

We are fortunate to live in an area with wonderful places to go for walks. Walk on the beach, walk on the rocks in Plymouth Harbor, explore the park on Bay road in Kingston and Duxbury. Make regular exercise an enjoyable part of your life.

Unfortunately the wonder drug doesn’t come in an easy to take pill. However once you get into a regular exercise program that fits into you and your family’s lifestyle I guarantee you will start feeling its benefits. Exercise will improve your overall health and help you live a longer and more productive life.