The Importance of Exercise

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The Importance of Exercise
Imagine one day lying in your death bed with a chronic disease just because you ignored the importance of exercise. This may sound dramatic but this can really happen to anyone if they don’t get an adequate amount of exercise in their lives. One major problem I see all around me almost every day of my life is the common lack of exercise. Including myself, I don’t think most people understand the importance of exercising to stay healthy in our daily lives. This is a very significant issue in the United States today because it is not appreciated enough for what it does for us. By spending just a few minutes a day exercising, it can greatly reduce the risk for diseases.
There are many effects associated with the lack of exercising to human beings. Some are more well-known than others but some go much deeper than we might already know. Some of the many diseases that can result from lack of exercising are heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression. “In the US it has been estimated that inactivity results in one third of all deaths from CHD, colon cancer and diabetes” (Powell & Blair, 1994) (Biddle, Fox, & Boutcher 1). Most doctors would agree that the lack of exercise is detrimental to a persons’ health. John P. Thyfault, PhD, says “Inactivity plays a role in almost every chronic disease there is”. Almost every disease there is? That should be a wake-up call to everyone who cares about their health or the health of a loved one!
There is another very serious issue with the lack of physical activity that is affecting children all over the United States. It is known as childhood obesity. The most well known cause of obesity is the act of overeating but another major factor of ...

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...ime to teach students about the importance of exercise and obesity? This issue does not have to be forced on children but it can definitely be strongly encouraged. If a person is educated about this issue when they’re young, it seems they are more likely to take the information and use it in their lives as they get older.
The problem with limited exercise among people today should be a concerning issue for everyone. If we don’t take a stand now, it will only get worse. Adults and parents need to set a good example and help our youth practice good habits when they are young so that they can grow up and live healthy lives. The hope for change in this problem is in our hands to educate and help others understand the importance of exercise. I’m sure most people would rather spend some of their time exercising rather than spending their time in a hospital bed.

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