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Exercise just as good as drugs in war on major disease
telegraph.co.uk ^ | 12/14/2013 | Laura Donnelly

Posted on 12/14/2013 7:14:32 AM PST by RoosterRedux

Exercise could be as effective as some of the best drugs which protect against major diseases, research has found.

A study of more than 300 trials has found that physical activity was better than medication in helping patients recovering from strokes - and just as good as drugs in protecting against diabetes and in stopping heart disease worsening.

The research, published in the British Medical Journal, analysed data about studies on 340,000 patients diagnosed with one of four diseases: heart disease, chronic heart failure, stroke or diabetes.

Researchers said the findings suggested that regular exercise could be "quite potent" in improving survival chances, but said that until more studies are done, patients should not stop taking their tablets without taking medical advice.

The landmark research compared the mortality rates of those prescribed medication for common serious health conditions, with those who were instead enrolled on exercise programmes.

(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...


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1 posted on 12/14/2013 7:14:32 AM PST by RoosterRedux
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To: RoosterRedux

Right.... Then what happened to Jim Fixx?


2 posted on 12/14/2013 7:16:44 AM PST by TruthWillWin (The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples money.)
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To: RoosterRedux

Communist healthcare. “Do 25 situps and 50 pushups and call me in the morning.”


3 posted on 12/14/2013 7:16:57 AM PST by FlingWingFlyer (Trust No One.)
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To: RoosterRedux

Translation: But, we could be wrong.
4 posted on 12/14/2013 7:45:57 AM PST by TomGuy (.)
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To: RoosterRedux

My beef is “waste” like Silver sneakers...These folks need to go outside or to the mall...and walk. They need a “wealthy” gym facility to be healthy like I need fleas.


5 posted on 12/14/2013 7:58:52 AM PST by Sacajaweau
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To: TruthWillWin

“Right.... Then what happened to Jim Fixx?”

Jim Fixx should have died earlier than he did. He had blockages that were there before he was a runner.

I have run 3 marathons; last June my recent at age 54.

The human body was MADE to exercise. Not to sit around an be sedentary and overweight.
Extra weight is tied to just about disease out there. No thank you; I will take care of myself and be in charge of my own health. I desire to keep the doctors from poking and cutting me to fix a preventable disease.
My physical a month ago was a series of “those are great numbers” from the doc.


6 posted on 12/14/2013 8:06:34 AM PST by HereInTheHeartland (Obama lied; our healthcare died.)
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To: TruthWillWin
Jim Fixx was a long distance runner. While the extensive running may be good for good cardiovascular conditioning, it is not necessarily good for cardiovascular health. Extensive and intensive exercise does cause tissue destruction and a resultant elevation of free radicals. Recent research demonstrates that these free radicals can have a damaging affect to the lining of the vascular structures. The protective mechanism is actually part of plaque production ( atherosclerosis ). It is somewhat a response to chronic arterial inflammation that these free radicals produce. After his death, Jim Fixx’s heart had demonstrated extensive collateral circulation which implies that he had a long term inflammatory process going on. Oftentimes the carbohydrate loading that runners do, utilize foods that are high in omega 6 fats. These fats should be relatively evenly matched with omega 3 essential fats. If not, the omega 6 fats break down into various chemical mediators ( free radicals ) that initiate an inflammatory response. Wheat products especially, have a large disproportionate proportion of omega 6 to omega 3 essential fats. This is especially significant with GMO produced wheat products that are far more toxic than native wheat because of much higher levels of omega 6 fats. Pasta loading for endurance athletes should be complimented with high levels of anti oxidants and omega 3 essential fats.
7 posted on 12/14/2013 8:11:39 AM PST by SZAS
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To: RoosterRedux

As we increased spending on socialized health care here in the U.S., expect an avalanche of similar articles about exercise, diet, etc.


8 posted on 12/14/2013 8:23:44 AM PST by randita
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To: Sacajaweau
My beef is “waste” like Silver sneakers...These folks need to go outside or to the mall...and walk. They need a “wealthy” gym facility to be healthy like I need fleas.

True words.

Walking is cheap and effective.

Recommend locating to a "walkable" location, then walking as errands becomes feasible.

A twofer as Savage would say.

9 posted on 12/14/2013 8:31:32 AM PST by cicero2k
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To: Sacajaweau

Well, since most of the Silver Sneakers people in my area go to the YMCA program, I’m not sure “wealthy gym” is an apt description.

Judging by seeing them lined up waiting to go into the gym, I’d say they go because they like being with other people of the same age and objectives, it motivates them, and they’re in an air-conditioned place (I live in Florida). What’s wrong with that?


10 posted on 12/14/2013 8:41:22 AM PST by livius
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To: randita
And as the quality of healthcare in the U.S. declines, I plan to focus on my own fitness as a solution.

As a long time exerciser, I have noticed that as long as I do a lot of cardio, I never get colds or the flu. As soon as I stop or take a break for a month or so, I get a scratchy throat.

11 posted on 12/14/2013 8:45:33 AM PST by RoosterRedux (The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing -- Socrates)
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To: RoosterRedux

I’m quite the couch potato, but I’m at least pondering the idea of exercising. ;-)

I see both sides of this. I understand the suspicion that this is just a way for government health care to say, “We won’t treat you. It’s your own fault for whatever you have. Take a hike... literally.”

On the other hand, we are getting too many tests and pills, and they all risks. In many cases, there actually is little or no benefit, but doctors and patients have bought into the idea that more is better, no matter what, when it comes to tests, treatments, etc. Many of the studies that supposedly show benefit are not what they seem. There is a lot of bad science out there, and any time you hear of the next miracle, be skeptical.

If you’re sick, see a doctor. If you’re well, educate yourself and do what you think is right for your health. Don’t mindlessly accept all the tests and pills that are being pushed on us from every side. The experts are often wrong.


12 posted on 12/14/2013 8:57:51 AM PST by Pining_4_TX (All those who were appointed to eternal life believed. Acts 13:48)
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To: HereInTheHeartland
The human body was MADE to exercise.

Well, George Burns lived to be 100 and he sure as hell wasn't on the treadmill everyday. Plus he smoked cigars daily.

13 posted on 12/14/2013 9:18:01 AM PST by Extremely Extreme Extremist (Governor Sarah Heath Palin for President of the United States in 2016)
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To: Extremely Extreme Extremist

George Burns didn’t have his gut hanging over his belt either.


14 posted on 12/14/2013 9:24:43 AM PST by HereInTheHeartland (Obama lied; our healthcare died.)
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To: HereInTheHeartland

You don’t have to be fat like Ted Kennedy to be susceptible to chronic diseases and illnesses.


15 posted on 12/14/2013 9:28:34 AM PST by Extremely Extreme Extremist (Governor Sarah Heath Palin for President of the United States in 2016)
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To: Extremely Extreme Extremist

“You don’t have to be fat like Ted Kennedy to be susceptible to chronic diseases and illnesses.”

Absolutely true. But extra weight; especially weight around the gut; is a high risk factor in men for many diseases.

We should control what we can control. Proper weight and some exercise is something everyone can control.


16 posted on 12/14/2013 9:59:06 AM PST by HereInTheHeartland (Obama lied; our healthcare died.)
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To: RoosterRedux

fl


17 posted on 12/14/2013 10:00:14 AM PST by maine-iac7 (Christian is as Christian does - by their fruits)
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To: RoosterRedux

moderation in all things


18 posted on 12/14/2013 10:00:35 AM PST by maine-iac7 (Christian is as Christian does - by their fruits)
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To: RoosterRedux

Genetics will always trump diet and exercise every.


19 posted on 12/14/2013 11:02:42 AM PST by Banjoguy (The Mayor of San Antonio is the smoothest liar I have ever seen.)
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To: RoosterRedux
Sorry.

I meant to post, "Genetics will always trump diet and exercise so don't fool yourself into skipping diagnostics. You will be surprised."

20 posted on 12/14/2013 11:05:30 AM PST by Banjoguy (The Mayor of San Antonio is the smoothest liar I have ever seen.)
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