Why Is Physical Activity So Important For Combatting Chronic Disease?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Regular physical activity

helps improve your overall health, fitness, and quality of life

. It also helps reduce your risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, many types of cancer, depression and anxiety, and dementia.

How does physical activity reduce chronic disease?

Regular exercise can help insulin more effectively lower your blood sugar level. Physical activity can also

help you control your weight and boost your energy

. If you have type 2 diabetes, exercise can lower your risk of dying of heart disease.

How does physical activity help with diseases?

Exercise

strengthens your heart and improves your circulation

. The increased blood flow raises the oxygen levels in your body. This helps lower your risk of heart diseases such as high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, and heart attack. Regular exercise can also lower your blood pressure and triglyceride levels.

How does physical activity play a role in the prevention of disease and the reduction of health care costs?

Since regular physical activity helps prevent disease and promote health, it may actually

decrease health care costs

. A study performed by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that physically active people had, on average, lower annual direct medical costs than did inactive people.

Why is physical activity so important?

Physical activity or exercise can

improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases

like type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity and exercise can have immediate and long-term health benefits. Most importantly, regular activity can improve your quality of life.

What are two major problems of inactivity?

Not doing enough physical activity doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease,

type-2 diabetes and obesity

, and increases the risk of breast and bowel cancer, depression and anxiety.

What happens if you never exercise?

If you do less exercise or activity you

will become deconditioned

. Your muscles weaken and lose bulk including the muscles you need for breathing and the large muscles in your legs and arms. You will become more breathless as you do less activity.

How does physical activity improve quality of life?

Exercise not only helps you live longer — it helps you live better. In addition to making your heart and muscles stronger and fending off a host of diseases, it can also

improve your mental and emotional functioning

and even bolster your productivity and close relationships.

What diseases can physical activity prevent?

Regular physical activity helps improve your overall health, fitness, and quality of life. It also helps reduce your risk of chronic conditions like

type 2 diabetes

, heart disease, many types of cancer, depression and anxiety, and dementia.

What is a long term benefit of physical activity?

Overall health improves with exercise


Reduce risk of cardiovascular disease

, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and some cancers. Strengthen bones and muscles. Improve mental health and mood. Improve your ability to do daily activities and prevent falls.

What are the economic benefits of physical activity?

Over the years, economists have found physical fitness has a positive impact on the economy in terms of

discounted lifetime costs

, annual direct health care costs, productivity due to reduced absenteeism, and capacity for independent living among older adults.

How is physical activity important to combat health risk factors?

Physical activity helps

control blood sugar (glucose), weight, and blood pressure

and helps raise “good” cholesterol and lower “bad” cholesterol. Adequate physical activity can also help reduce the risk of heart disease and nerve damage, which are often problems for people with diabetes.

How can we prevent health problems?

  1. Be a non-smoker and avoid second hand smoke. If you smoke, get help to quit. …
  2. Be physically active everyday. …
  3. Eat healthy foods. …
  4. Achieve a healthy weight. …
  5. Control your blood pressure. …
  6. Limit your intake of alcohol. …
  7. Reduce your stress. …
  8. Be screened or tested regularly.

What are 10 benefits of physical activity?

  • Improve your memory and brain function (all age groups).
  • Protect against many chronic diseases.
  • Aid in weight management.
  • Lower blood pressure and improve .
  • Improve your quality of sleep.
  • Reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
  • Combat cancer-related fatigue.

What is the example of physical activity?

Some examples of physical activity are:

Going for a walk, bike, or run (join our indoor walking program).

Doing household chores

. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Playing at the park.

Which outcome is a benefit of physical activity?

Regular physical activity is proven to help

prevent and manage noncommunicable diseases

such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and several cancers. It also helps prevent hypertension, maintain healthy body weight and can improve mental health, quality of life and well-being.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.