Step right up! It’s the miracle cure we’ve all been waiting for!

It can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer by up to 50% and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%.

It’s free, easy to take, has an immediate effect and you don’t need a GP to get some. Its name? Exercise.

Exercise is the miracle cure we’ve always had, but for too long we’ve neglected to take our recommended dose. Our health is now suffering as a consequence.

This is no snake oil. Whatever your age, there’s strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and even happier life.

People who do regular activity have a lower risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers.

Research shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

“If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most cost-effective drugs ever invented,” says Dr Nick Cavill, a health promotion consultant.

Health benefits

Given the overwhelming evidence, it seems obvious that we should all be physically active. It’s essential if you want to live a healthy and fulfilling life into old age.

It’s medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have:

– up to a 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
– up to a 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes
– up to a 50% lower risk of colon cancer
– up to a 20% lower risk of breast cancer
– a 30% lower risk of early death
– up to an 83% lower risk of osteoarthritis
– up to a 68% lower risk of hip fracture
– a 30% lower risk of falls (among older adults)
– up to a 30% lower risk of depression
– up to a 30% lower risk of dementia

To stay healthy, adults should try to be active daily and aim to achieve at least 150 minutes of physical activity over a week through a variety of activities.

To read the rest of this article taken from the NHS website click here