A WORKOUT A DAY WILL KEEP DISEASES AWAY

Miami Lakes-- We’ve all heard the saying that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Scientific evidence does indicate that precautionary measures such as regular exercise and sensible eating habits could protect us from some of the most serious and potentially fatal diseases.

“Numerous research studies have shown that a regular, brisk physical activity together with a healthy diet based on fruits, vegetables, grains, low-fat dairy and lean protein, cut the risk of many deadly diseases,” says Rafael Moret of It's Not Just Bootcamp. “Combine these measures with cigarette-free life and you’re getting a very powerful health boost.”

Virtually every medical condition can benefit from a healthy lifestyle, including ailments that claim the largest number of victims: Heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

“World Health Organization reports that sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity is the main cause of about 25 percent of breast and colon cancers, 27 percent of diabetes cases, and 30 percent of heart disease cases worldwide,” Rafael says. “This finding, on top of all the other research, is a compelling reason to get off the couch and start moving!”

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death in this country, with about 30 percent of all Americans suffering from some form of it, including heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure, coronary disease, and other serious conditions.

“However, regular exercise - at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days of the week - helps the heart muscle work more efficiently by lowering blood pressure, raising “good” HDL cholesterol, and helping maintain a healthy weight, since obesity is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease,” Rafael says.

Cancer. Studies show that about a third of all common cancers in the United States could be prevented each year through healthy lifestyle.

“Here’s a real eye opener: According to World Cancer Research Fund, exercise and other healthy lifestyle measures could reduce breast cancer cases by 38 percent, stomach cancer by 47 percent, and colon cancer by 45 percent,” Moret says. “Several studies also reported links between physical activity and a lowered risk of other cancers.”

Diabetes now affects nearly 26 million Americans and the numbers are expected to climb in the future decades.

“There is no doubt that rates of diabetes are linked to the increase in cases of obesity,” Moret notes. “Along with appropriate diet and any medication prescribed by a doctor, exercise can help control weight and lower blood sugar level. It can also– as shown above - reduce the risk of heart disease, a condition that is common in people who have diabetes and / or are overweight.”

Rafael adds that exercise has also been proven beneficial in preventing and relieving a variety of other medical conditions as well, including osteoporosis, arthritis, and depression.

“The bottom line is that regular workouts will help keep you physically and mentally healthy,” Rafael adds.