The health care costs for our nation are going up at a rapid rate. Preventable chronic diseases (for the most part) are the leading cause of this increase.
According to exercise research done by Dr. Mark Tarnpolsky, only 20 percent of Americans get the recommended 150 minutes of strength and cardio activity per week. More than half of all baby boomers report doing no exercise whatsoever and 80 million Americans (23 percent) are entirely inactive.
The consequences of a sedentary life are as well documented as they are dire. People with low levels of physical activity are at higher risk for many kinds of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and early death by any cause. Long before that, inactivity can worsen arthritis, increase low back pain or weight gain which can lead to depression, anxiety, falling and injuries. Research paper after research paper shows the most effective, potent way that we can improve quality of life and duration of life is exercise.
In addition to the heart, muscles, lungs and bones, scientists are finding that another major beneficiary of exercise might be the brain. Recent research links exercise to less depression, better memory and quick learning. Studies also suggest that exercise is, as of now, the best way to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.
Dr. Sallis, a physician in California, has prescribed exercise to his patients since the early 1990s in hopes of doling out less medications. So far this method works, particularly in his sickest patients. When his patients exercised on a regular basis, he would see dramatic improvements in their chronic disease.
Exercise is medicine and when primary care physicians are updating what medications their patients take, they should ask how many minutes of exercise (cardio and strength training) they do per week. If you are getting your 150 minutes of exercise each week, keep it up. If not, ask your primary care provider for a referral for a free consultation with the YMCA in Greenfield’s Prescribe the Y fitness specialists.
There are approximately 45 PCPs referring over 800 patients to our YMCA every year. Of these 800, around 80 percent enroll in the 12-week Prescribe the Y (RxY) program for $109. Baystate Health has provided funding to cover some of this support for three years for those who need financial aid to participate.
Very few people have the internal drive to maintain an exercise program on their own; that is why 90 percent of home exercise equipment becomes a clothes rack. Many fitness options are available in Franklin County; but make a pledge to yourself, your partner or your family to get healthier and do your part to lower your healthcare costs and the costs in our country.
Dawn Dorsey is the health and
wellness director at the YMCA
in Greenfield.