You’ve heard of preventive medicines, miracles packed into tiny pills. Now its time to get ready for preventative fitness, something your healthcare insurance may have already caught on to.Older adults are finding that they need to get into the driver’s seat of their own health and these insurance companies, most notably Aetna Healthcare, are starting to realize just how powerful fitness can be as it’s own form of preventive medicine.  That’s why your healthcare insurance may actually pay for your membership to a qualified fitness center. 

 

 

 

We all know that we should exercise to stay healthy, but new studies are finding, in great detail, how exercise can reduce your risk for some of the most common chronic diseases found in the United States.  In the grand scheme of things, healthcare insurances like Aetna are hoping that if people exercise the recommended amount on a weekly basis, get healthier and reduce their risk of chronic disease, that in turn will drive healthcare costs down and everyone is a winner.  Planning your route to good health requires the right knowledge and the right professionals to steer you in the best direction.

 

Exercise Duration and Intensity

The American Heart Association and the American College of Sports Medicine recommend at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week of moderate intensity cardio exercise coupled with strength training exercise 2 days a week to maintain health and reduce risk of chronic disease.  These guidelines or anything equivalent differentiate a “physically active” person from a “non active person”.  “Moderate intensity” means that you should break a sweat but still be able to hold a conversation while exercising. 

 

Heart Disease

            Physical Inactivity is a major risk factor for heart disease and any associated cardiovascular disease, especially coronary artery disease.  The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes daily on most if not all days of the week of moderate aerobic activity to strengthen your heart muscle and decrease deposits of cholesterol that may often lead to a heart attack.  Being physically active has also been proven to lower blood pressure, control type 2 diabetes, and increase overall energy and metabolism.

 

Osteoperosis

            As we age, our bones loose density which often leads to osteoperosis and arthritis, therefore the role of exercise is to prevent bone loss.  Many types of exercises can help build bone and prevent bone loss.  Weight bearing, high impact exercise such as jogging and even low impact such as an elliptical training machine are great ways to start building bone density.  Resistance and Strength training exercises done once or twice a week will increase overall strength and endurance. Non impact activities such as balance training and functional training will help with every day activities and decrease the risk of fractured bones by decreasing the risk of falling. 

 

 

Cancer

            Breast cancer in women, prostate cancer in men and lung cancer are the most prevalent types of cancer found in the United States.  Active adults, as reported by the National Cancer Institute have reduced risks of these cancers, no matter their weight or body fat composition.  Reduction in breast cancer varies greatly between active and inactive women.  Reported studies show that active women of all ages, have more than 20% reduced risk of breast cancer than their sedentary counter parts. 

A study published in a recent issue of Archives of Internal Medicine has found that men over the age of 65 can reduce their prostate cancer risk by as much as 70% with vigorous exercise three times a week.  Risk is also reduced in active adults younger than 65 by up to 30% as reported by the American College of Sports Medicine. The National Cancer Institute also reported that physically active men and women have up to 20% percent less risk of developing lung cancer.

 

These are just a few examples of how you can benefit from taking control of your health, and in 2009 it has never been easier.  Your insurance company may be offering you a free membership to a great fitness club in your area, what’s stopping you? 

*This Article can be found in the June issue of The Central Record in the Health Highlights section*