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T I M O T H Y
B A L L ,
M . D . ,
is an interventional
cardiologist with
Kootenai Heart Clinics
Northwest. To learn
more about Dr. Ball,
visit
KH.org/hcnwor
call our Spokane office
at
(509) 847-2500
.
Timothy Ball, M.D.
What Are the Health
Benefits of Exercise?
Exercise
and its benefits to health have been widely studied. The 2008 Physical
Activity Guidelines for Americans provides science-based guidance to help children,
middle-aged adults and older adults improve their health through appropriate
physical activity.
Being physically active is one of the most important steps that Americans of
all ages can take to improve their health. Both aerobic (endurance) and muscle-
strengthening (resistance) physical activities are beneficial.
Most health benefits are seen with at least 150 minutes a week (30 minutes a
day for five days per week) of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk
walking, hiking, biking or swimming. Good levels of such activity have been associ-
ated with:
◗
◗
Lower risk of early death, coronary
artery disease, heart attack and stroke
◗
◗
Lower risk of hypertension
◗
◗
Lower risk of cancer
◗
◗
Prevention of falls
◗
◗
Reduced depression
◗
◗
Better cognitive function
So increase your activity levels today, building up to a good level of activity
30 minutes a day, five to seven days per week, to reap the benefits.
ACTIVITY LEVELS
OVERALL HEALTH BENEFIT
High-level activity
Additional
Good-level activity
Substantial
Low-level activity
Some
Inactivity
None
M
I
N
U
T
E
S
O
F
M
O
D
E
R
A
T
E
-
I
N
T
E
N
S
I
T
Y
A
C
T
I
V
I
T
Y
P
E
R
W
E
E
K
Less than
150
min
150-300
min
More than
300
min
0
min
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