Why exercise really could be the best medicine

According to a recent report it's estimated that in the next 15 years more people will die from chronic diseases then were killed in both World Wars!

Most of these chronic diseases are preventable by eating healthily and exercising regularly.

Experts agree that a lack of exercise has a harmful effect on our health and becoming more physical active will help reduce the risks of getting heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and certain cancers.

It's estimated if things don't improve by 2050 obesity will cost the NHS £45 billion! Childhood obesity will be a huge problem with 1 in 3 clinically obese and cancers and heart disease increasing dramatically among this group.

At present physical inactivity costs the NHS £1.5 million each year.

Due to exercise's health benefits and the added benefits to being cheaper and side effect free compared to prescription drugs, more doctors are prescribing gym membership to help combat obesity, lower blood pressure and help with depression and stress.

Those who are physically inactive will in their lifetime spend 38% more days in hospital, visit their GP 5.5% more times and have 12% more nurse visits.

However fear not it's never too late to start to become more active to improve your health. Studies show that at any age the body will respond and become stronger and fitter with moderate exercise. Also studies have shown that the greatest improvement is when the least fittest become more active.

As well as helping to prevent chronic diseases, long term exercise can help delay the onset of dementia and increase independence in the elderly.

Current government guildelines suggest that we should perform at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 times a week such as walking, swimming, jogging or any other activity that will help increase the heart rate, cause prespiration and become slightly out of breath. You can do 30 minutes straight off or you can do it over the course of the day - it all adds up.

If you are not used to exercising always start off at a gentle pace, listen to your body and stop if you feel any sharp pain. As you get used to the exercise you can slowly increase the intensity over the course of a few weeks. If in any doubt consult your GP or a fitness professional.

Begin to get more active today and make that first step towards a fitter you.