Exercise Leads to Good Health

French doctors commented that exercise can lower the risks of heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, respiratory disease and depression.  The National Institute for Health and Medical Research advises adults should exercise, by doing 30 minutes of fast walking, at least five times a week, or 20 minutes of hard core exercise, such as jogging, three times a week. 

Young adults are encouraged to adopt a stricter regimen of exercising - twice the amount of the adult’s schedule - in order to maintain fitness.  Muscular strengthening is also important and is recommended to be completed at least twice a week.  It is suggested that elders should perform stretches and balance exercises.   

Regular physical exercise helps increase blood flow into the heart and strengthens its contractions.  Thus, the heart pumps more blood with less effort.  Exercise also keeps control of one’s weight and prevents high cholesterol and diabetes.  Regular chores like housekeeping and walking one’s dog all contribute to exercise, but performing strenuous exercises is more effective for one’s health.