Julie Deardorff in the Trib has great article about exercise now being part of a medical treatment plan. Turns out many physicans are realizing the benefits of exercise.
Exercise is muscling into its way into a wide variety of disease prevention and treatment plans. Physical fitness programs are already a staple of cardiac care. But though research is still in the early stages, there’s encouraging evidence that consistent workouts can help with everything from cancer, autoimmune disorders andParkinson’s disease to alcoholism. University of Illinoisscientists recently received funding for a study that looks at whether riding a stationary bicycle during treatment can help dialysis patients.
The burgeoning “exercise is medicine” movement is championed by dozens of organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine, the Chicago Park District and cancer support groups. New national cancer guidelines urge both patients and survivors to exercise during and after treatment for 150 minutes per week, the same advice given to the general public.
If exercise isn’t already a habit, of course, it can be intimidating. It’s harder to do when you don’t feel good. And “some people would truly rather take a pill,” said Dr. Holly Benjamin, an associate professor and pediatric sports medicine specialist at the University of Chicago.
“But once they do it, so many people feel so much better.”
Check out the full article here.
