As a child, I was always quite pleased when my arguments with my friends or even my parents revealed that I was correct. Although, the inner satisfaction of knowing that I was on target in my defense should have been enough for me, yet it was not. In each of those scenarios, I had to end it with “I told you so!” Now, that may sound slightly juvenile but I’m sure many of you did the same thing!
Thirty-something years later, I again want to yell: “I told you so!” What am I so excited about now, you ask? Recently, researchers have reported that exercise may prevent lower back pain. Basically, the researchers reviewed about 23 studies with roughly 31,000 people and found that exercise alone or exercise with education can prevent back pain.
To me such a claim seems intuitive but you would be surprised at the number of people who fail to see how exercise could improve their mobility or prevent injury. Too many people see exercise simply as a means to lose weight and not a vital aspect of their health like breathing oxygen! In my almost 20 years of practicing medicine, I’ve never heard anyone say that “No, I haven’t breathed in three months.” See the connection. Ludicrous, isn’t it?
However, exercise not only improves musculoskeletal issues, but many other conditions as well. Let’s take depression, for instance. A 1999 study divided men and women into three groups. One group received an antidepressant, Zoloft. The second group exercised and the third group did both. After 16 weeks, participants in all three groups could no longer be classified as depressed. Furthermore, 6 months later, researchers found that individuals who continued to exercise were less likely to relapse into depression again. Excellent news for those individuals experiencing a winter slump! Get moving and watch your mood soar!
Let’s not stop there. Exercise improves circulation, which in turn increases sexual arousal. Genital sensation, vaginal lubrication and sexual excitement are all improved by good blood flow. Often times stress inhibits women from fully enjoying sex and experiencing orgasm. But endorphins released in the brain with exercise can improve sex particularly for women by releasing that tension. Now, if that does not encourage regular vigorous exercise, what will? In my opinion, advertisements for gym memberships should mention the above benefits and I guarantee the lines to join would be out the door!
Lastly, regular exercise could help prevent conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity. I admit genetics plays a huge role in which diseases an individual will be diagnosed with in their lifetime, but it does not have to be an absolute certainty. I have shared my story many times in this very column. Almost every woman in family is obese. It saddens me to say that but it’s the unadulterated truth.
However, I choose not to have obesity be my destiny. Exercise is a way of life for me. Some days are better than others. Some days I work out and get to that recommended maximum heart rate for my age and other times I may only walk the dog. Whatever the case may be, every day I am focused on movement!
Bottom line: exercise is good for you in more ways than not! Try it and see!
Your Family Doctor,
Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D.
Assistant Professor
SLUCare Family Medicine
yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com
