Not long ago -- just a few decades, in fact -- you might have been told not to exercise at all if you suffered from a severe medical condition, especially if it related to your heart. But more recently those attitudes have changed. There is almost no medical condition that can keep you from doing some form of exercise. Physical activity can benefit people with illnesses as serious as congestive heart failure, diabetes, digestive issues and even cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
Heart Health
According to the American Heart Association, being physically inactive is a major risk factor for developing coronary artery disease and other heart ailments. Fatty deposits and cholesterol build in the arteries, cutting off blood supply to your heart. Inactivity also contributes to high blood pressure and lower levels of HDL -- "good" cholesterol. You don't have to run marathons to decrease these risk factors. Brisk walking or swimming for 30 minutes a day can significantly decrease your heart disease risks.
Exercise Benefits Those With Diabetes
In a joint paper, the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Diabetes Association issued exercise guidelines for diabetics as a Joint Position Statement in 2010. Though some physicians have been reluctant to prescribe exercise as a preventative or help for diabetics, the paper recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity, divided into smaller segments. The paper also recommends strength training for diabetics and, according to Sheri R. Colberg, Ph.D., FACSM, who chaired the writing group, exercise could be spread out to keep from overtaxing those who have orthopedic issues as well, but should not be lessened.
Benefits of Exercise for Bone and Joint Conditions
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says that 30 minutes of physical activity per day can slow or prevent medical conditions, including chronic conditions like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Exercises such as walking, cycling, swimming and strength training keep joints flexible and cartilage tissue from breaking down and weakening. Those with bone and joint conditions should avoid high impact exercises that can stress the joints, such as "bouncy" aerobic workouts, competitive sports or running.
Other Medical Conditions
Regular exercise not only helps with chronic heart or other diseases, but can improve conditions such as digestive issues, including constipation, says the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a division of the National Institutes of Health. Brain chemical related diseases such as depression can be improved by regular exercise, too, according to Mayoclinic.com. Exercise can help ease symptoms by lowering immune system chemicals that worsen depression and releasing "feel-good" chemicals like endorphins in the brain.
References
- American Heart Association: Physical Activity; 2011
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I need to know about Constipation; NIH Publication, Dec. 2008
- The Medical News: Exercise Can Help Prevent or Manage Diabetes; Dec. 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Depression and Anxiety; Exercises Eases Symptoms
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Exercise and Bone and Joint Conditions; Sept. 2009
