Health and Fitness – Two Wheels of the Same Cart

By Dr. Mohamad E. Allaf
Updated 2021-01-26 13:04:49 | Published 2021-01-26 13:03:48
  • Blog
    • Add to favorites
    • Join our community in exploring insightful stories, tips, and experiences that inspire and inform. The iMedix Blog is your go-to destination for connecting with others and enriching your health knowledge.

    • Questions:
      372
Health and Fitness - Two Wheels of the Same Cart

It is true, universally accepted and acknowledged, that the key to good health is to stay fit. Being fit maintains the vitality of your health and also nourishes your body in multiple ways. It revitalizes your energy and prevents chronic diseases. According to the World Health Organization, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Someone has once rightly said that health is wealth because it truly is the most precious treasure a human being has. A rational and sound mind resides in a healthy body. Without good health nobody can lead a productive and fruitful life.

It has long been accepted that exercise cuts the risk of heart disease. Recent studies show even more benefits of exercise, such as reducing the risk of onset of type 2 diabetes and preventing certain types of cancer. The link between poor fitness and health issues was first suggested by studies in the late 1960s, but the notion has now been largely accepted and its importance has drastically grown now after almost 40 years of first studies.

Contemporary research shows long-term positive effects of fitness on the cognitive abilities of kids and adults. It is suggested that exercise helps in development and growth of neurons. This provides brainpower and helps prevent dementia. This can be backed up by the medical studies that found out that in an advanced age, people who have quit exercising are more prone to dementia than those who keep engaging in physical activity.

You are already aware of the fact that exercise will help you fit into your pants, but the payoffs are much greater than just looking good. People who exercise have fewer accidents and die less often from viral and other infections. Exercise also has myriad of benefits for your mental health. A study has suggested that stress, anxiety and depression can inhibit your brain's responses when solving a problem. It is probably now a well-known fact that exercise releases certain natural compounds, so-called happiness hormones – endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. Physical activity also ensures a steady flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

Multiple benefits of exercising regularly have huge significance today, and the Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging schools to provide physical education for children. The Institute of Medicine recommends that elementary school children get 30 minutes of physical activity a day, while 45 minutes daily are suggested for middle and high school students.

User-thumb
Dr. Mohamad E. Allaf is verified user for iMedix