Is exercise harmful? Good question

Photogapher Richard Reeves

 The other day I reviewed and article By Edward C. Geehr, M.D., Lifescript Chief Medical Officer, entitled, Is Exercise Harmful? I actually found the article encouraging. It clealy reinforses our need to have our doctors being aware of our exercise changes.
A side note: Being aware of summer heat please stay hydrated and take precautions. The last week i have been exercising indoors. Thank you Leslie Sansone. Go to her website for indoor walking programs that can help you on hot or cold days. http://www.walkathome.com/
Here is the link to the article.

http://www.lifescript.com/blogs/ed_geehr/health/is_exercise_harmful.aspx

Dr. Geehr writes health articles that are pro preventive health and proactive in advising the health benefits of exercise. The article addresses a number of conditions that have an adverse reaction in those who begin an exercise program who are sedimentary.

• " The PLoS study reported adverse responses in 8.4% of study subjects for fasting insulin; 10.4% for triglycerides; 12.2% for systolic blood pressure; and 13.3% for HDLs. As many as 7% of subjects recorded adverse responses for at least two cardiovascular or diabetes risk factors, a subgroup felt to be at particular risk of experiencing an elevated health risk."
• Turn those stats around and we find beneficial responses  91.6% for fasting insulin; 89.6% for triglycerides; 87.8% for systolic blood pressure; and 86.7% for HDLs. It follows that 93% of subjects recorded had beneficial responses for at least two cardiovascular or diabetes risk factors. My numbers are inferred and it is possible that there is a hidden number of people who see no adverse or beneficial response.

There are many studies that tell us exercise helps most people move from the negative lifestyle of sedimentary living to a positive lifestyle of moving 30 minutes a day or 10,000 steps. They also have been studies that point out moving a little bit through out the day can be very good for us. Being sedimentary can be as harmful as smoking cigarettes.

When I look at a study like this, it is not take my word for it. I just want to encourage you to walk or exercise in a way that is good for you. To me this article reminds us when we start an exercise program particularly if we have been sedimentary at any age, or as we get over 40, to check with our doctor before we start an exercise program. We should know if we have problems with blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and obesity. Do we have problems with our heart and cardiovascular health. Based on medical science and your personal health your doctor can advise you on appropriate life style changes that help you. Being aware of your health is vital. Every good exercise program tells us to see our doctor before starting.

Being the fat man walking, I know the inner thought that screams, "My doctor will yell at me!" We may fear health diagnoses, and receiving bad news. I understand that fear, but it doesn't help us to improve our life. I have found that medical professionals are very positive in helping your health improve. If you are willing to take responsibility for your health they will be very supportive in your struggles. Our three enemies; heart disease and stroke, cancer and diabetes are best fought when we combine sound medical advise with a good diet and exercise.

So is exercise harmful? Most of the time not harmful. Exercise combined with medical care of your doctor even more so. If you are one who may not benefit from exercise being on top of your diet and health care; you then can make the needed modifications. My thoughts here are not intended as medical advise. It is an opinion I hope you find helpful.  Keep walking