Exercise is the Best Medicine
Exercise is the best medicine. In a world of Fitbits and activewear, you hear it everywhere. For good reason!
Benefits of Daily Exercise
- 34% reduction in Type 2 diabetes risk (Hu, 2011)
- Health benefits worth ~$1900 AUD/year (Rabl and Nazelle, 2011)
- Lower cancer recurrence rates (The Conversation, 2021)
- More effective than drugs for stroke patients (Comparative effectiveness of exercise and drug interventions on mortality outcomes)
There are very few situations where exercise should be paused. Even in acute injuries, light movement may be more beneficial than total rest. In Australia, one of the highest obesity rates globally costs Victoria ~$14.4 billion each year (Access Economics, 2008). Low activity levels, regardless of obesity, increase mortality risk.
For guidance on home workouts, see our Tips for Your Home Workout post. If you experience discomfort, check What to Do About Knee Pain.
Everyday Movement Matters
For those relying on cars for transport, missing basic activities like walking or cycling contributes to obesity and high blood pressure. Small adjustments may make a big difference:
- Park further away from your destination
- Walk to a cafe or park that’s a little farther
- Use phone calls as an excuse to move
Brisk walking for an hour a day may reduce Type 2 diabetes risk by 34% (Hu, 2011). Switching a 2.5km commute from driving to walking may generate €1300 (~$1900 AUD) in annual health benefits (Rabl and Nazelle, 2011).
Exercise During Illness
Even when sick, exercise remains vital. Research shows:
- Women with higher physical activity levels had up to 50% lower cancer recurrence rates
- Nurses meeting exercise guidelines halved breast cancer mortality
- Parkinson’s patients improved aerobic fitness, motor function, mood, and quality of life through walking
Accidental Exercise
Trick yourself into moving more daily:
- Park farther away
- Walk extra distances for errands
- Take walking phone calls
Get moving and make exercise your medicine!
For personalised guidance, book a session with an osteopath to ensure personalised and adaptable movement.
Thanks to Dr Bob Sallis in A Walking Revolution.
Look after yourselves,
Evan
