Getting in Shape Reduces Death Risk

[RedEarth]

DALLAS (AP) - The more fit you are, the longer you're likely to live, according to a large study of veterans that applies to black men as well as white men. The Veterans Affairs researchers found that the "highly fit" men in the study had half the risk of death as those who were the least fit. Being "very highly fit" cut the risk even more, by 70 percent.

The research builds on what is already known about the benefits of exercise and fills in some gaps by addressing the effects of fitness in blacks.

"A little bit of exercise goes a long way," said Peter Kokkinos, lead author of the study. "Thirty minutes a day, five days a week of brisk walking is likely to reduce the risk of mortality by 50 percent if not more."

With 15,660 participants, the researchers said the study is the largest to look at the link between fitness and mortality. The study also sets itself apart by looking at how exercise affects blacks, whose death rates are higher than whites. About 43 percent of the veterans in the study were black.

..............

Dr. Tracy Stevens, a cardiologist with Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City, Mo., said that the study reinforces the need for doctors to talk with their patients about exercise.

"This is more evidence that exercise is one of the best medicines that we have," said Dr. Randal Thomas, director of the Cardiovascular Health Clinic at the Mayo Clinic.



http://apnews.myway.com//article/20080122/D8UB6N481.html

[NC_Nurse]

1. Thank you Capt. Obvious!

:D

[RedEarth]

4. You're welcome.....

for what's it's worth..... what I posted as was the exact title...sorry you didn't find anything in the article interesting.

[NC_Nurse]

5. I was only kidding...

it just seems that the MSM is constantly running stories about this topic.
I'm probably just tired of hearing about it lately since January is the fitness industries
big month to try to get all those New Year's Resolution people to buy stuff or join
a gym....it's everywhere right now.

[Celebration]

6. I took a walk today

I really hate the cold...........but a friend had a heart attack yesterday. I know what you mean about being tired of the message, but I think we all need to be reminded. At least, I do. Exercise is almost a miracle medicine.

BTW, lower death rate is a great outcome measure for studies. Read the Business Week article on statin drugs carefully and you sill see what I mean.

[RedEarth]

7. I've exercised for over 40 years(running, biking, weights, etc.)

so I posted this article to perhaps encourage others to give exercise a try. I'm pleased you saw the benefit in it and realize sometimes it helps to be reminded to exercise. It's a great habit to pick up and as you mentioned it is almost a miracle medicine.

From my standpoint, I like to exercise since I feel so much better...less stress and I sleep better. Consequently, I try and do some type of exercise each day. In addition, my weight is nearly the same as it was in high school forty years ago and I don't take any type of prescription medicine. Many people my age are on statins or high blood pressure medicine and I feel some of the reason I'm not has to do with years of exercising.

Thanks for your post and best of luck to your friend who had a heart attack.

[DJ13]

2. My long gone father used to have a saying-

I get my exercise by going to the funerals of my athletic friends.
:dunce:

[kimmerspixelated]

3. You know, there's something to that!

First of all the story of Nike, and the marathon running thing. Increasingly I read that it's actually bad for you to exercise more than 20 minutes, according to many doctors, including Dr. Sear's and his revolutionary PACE program, which consists of several short intense bursts of exercise followed by rest designed to keep your body from storing fat in the first place. The plan resets your body's fat burning ability. I haven't put it into full swing yet, but I think it makes a lot of sense.