8 Reasons Healthcare Experts Emphasize Physical Activity

8 Reasons Healthcare Experts Emphasize Physical Activity : We belong to an age of sedentary lifestyles. We have jobs that compel us to sit at our desks all day, and when we come home, we want to relax on the couch. Unfortunately, it has led to a rise in obesity and associated health problems.

The benefits of staying physically active are well-documented. Yet, we stick to our beds and munch on unhealthy snacks in front of the television.

We will share some benefits of physical activity to motivate you and reinforce what experts have been saying for years.

The Role of Healthcare Professionals

In the United States, less than 5% of adults engage in 30 minutes of physical activity each day. And only one in three adults performs the recommended amount of physical activity per week. Given these statistics, it’s no wonder healthcare professionals are trying to get their patients to move more.

Physicians are now being trained to prescribe exercise. That’s right — you can now get a prescription for a workout. Nurses, too, are in a position to promote physical activity among their patients. It is because their roles have now expanded beyond just providing bedside care. They are being looked to as educators and motivators, which explains the heightened demand for nurses. If you wish to pursue a career as a nurse, nurse practitioner online programs are a great way to get started.

The best aspect of online programs is that they enable aspirants to pursue work alongside educational endeavors.

Now, let us see why healthcare workers emphasize physical activity:

Helps Maintain Your Weight

Keeping weight under control is a common New Year’s resolution, and for a good reason. When you carry extra weight, it strains your heart and can lead to health problems. Regular exercise will help you burn those extra calories and keep your weight in check.

Besides burning calories, exercise can also help boost your metabolism. When you have a higher metabolic rate, your body can burn more calories, even when resting. It is known as the “afterburn effect.” It results in about 200 extra calories being burned each day.
Lowers Your Blood Sugar Levels

If you’re struggling with type 2 diabetes, regular exercise can help lower your blood sugar levels. Scientists have confirmed that regular exercise can reduce the risk of diabetes by 58% in high-risk populations.

Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels by boosting how your body uses insulin. When you are physically active, your muscles use more glucose, which helps lower the sugar in your blood. It means you’re safe from the dangers of short-term spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels.
Reduces Your Risk of Heart Disease

Unfortunately, cardiovascular diseases are at the crest of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to American Heart Association, the prevalence of heart disease will rise by 9.9% by the end of this decade. However, experts are positive about exercise being a preventive measure.

It’s no news that exercise is good for your heart health. When you are active, your heart muscle becomes stronger. A stronger heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump and supply blood. It lessens the strain on your cardiovascular system.

Plus, exercise lowers your blood pressure and improves your cholesterol levels. It also helps increase the amount of HDL (good) cholesterol in your body while lowering the amount of LDL (bad) cholesterol. All of these effects work together to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Strengthens Your Bones and Muscles

As we age, our bones tend to lose density and become weaker. This condition is called osteoporosis, which puts us at risk of fractures. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, running, and lifting weights help to build strong bones and slow down the bone loss that comes with age.

Strong muscles are also important for maintaining bone density. When you exercise, your muscles work against gravity and resistance, which helps to keep them strong. Regular physical activity can also help to prevent age-related muscle loss, known as sarcopenia.
Boosts Your Mood and Helps with Depression

An improved mood is one of the immediate benefits of being physically active. In addition, it has been shown to help with mild to moderate depression. Exercise is often recommended as a treatment for people with depression.

The reason exercise can have such a positive effect on your mood is that it helps release endorphins in your brain. These are hormones that produce a natural high and have mood-boosting effects. They also help diminish pain signals in your body, improving your overall well-being. Young adults require about 30-60 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise to see an improvement in their mood.
Improves Your Sleep

Do you often find yourself shifting sides at night, struggling to fall asleep? If so, you’re not alone. Roughly one-third of adults experience some form of insomnia.

Fortunately, regular exercise can help improve your sleep. It doesn’t have to be too strenuous– moderate amounts of physical activity can make a difference.

Exercise can improve sleep because it helps reduce stress and anxiety. It also regulates your circadian rhythm – the body’s internal clock. So, stretch your legs before bed, and you may find it easier to drift off to sleep.
Boosts Brain Function and Memory

Need a mental boost? Start exercising. As we age, we can all expect a certain degree of cognitive decline. It is especially true if we neglect our bodies and minds. However, research has shown that exercise can help slow down age-related cognitive decline.

Exercise increases the blood and oxygen flow to your brain. It helps nourish your brain cells and keeps them functioning at their best. It also promotes the growth of new nerve cells and the development of neural pathways. All of these effects help boost brain function and memory.
Lowers Your Risk of Cancer

Cancer is, sadly, the second leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, about one-third of cancer cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes, such as exercising more and eating a healthy diet.

Strong evidence shows that physical activity can lower your risk of different types of cancer, including colon, breast, and endometrial cancer. Even if you already have cancer, exercise can improve your prognosis. It helps reduce cancer-related fatigue and improves the quality of life.

Conclusion

These are just some of the many benefits of physical activity. Regular exercise can also strengthen your lungs by enhancing your breathing. Improved balance and coordination can help prevent falls. And, of course, your persistent lower back pain may finally disappear.

The bottom line is that staying physically active is good for your mind and body. So, get out there and start moving. And, if you’re not sure where to start, talk to your doctor or a certified personal trainer. They can help you create a safe and effective exercise routine that meets your needs.