Health Benefits

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEING

PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

Its always so much easier to motivate yourself to do something if you know about the benefits. So if you are ever feeling as if you can't be bothered to go for that walk, or exercise class, just remember some of these health benefits. Physical activity can -:

increase levels of HDL or "good" cholesterol
lower high blood pressure
help improve body composition by burning fat
promote healthy blood sugar levels
promote bone density
boost the immune system
improve mood and reduce the chance of depression
decrease the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes, and the associated risk factors such as hypertension and obesity
have a role in preventing falls among older people

To put this into context -:

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) alone accounted for 100,000 deaths in 2000
Around 1.3 million people in England are diagnosed with diabetes
Each year 110,000 people in England and Wales have their first stroke, and 30,000 people go on to have further strokes
Over 400,000 older people in England attend A&E Departments following an accident and up to 14,000 people a year die in the UK as a result of an osteoporotic hip fracture
41% of men and 33% of women have high blood pressure

How about going for that walk now?!

Last updated 15 May 2007