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Feeling drained?No energy?
It is Physiotherapy Back Week11 – 15 September 2006.
Your PhysioFriend wants to share a secret with you… It will add years to your
life and life to your years!
The secret is ….. EXERCISE!
Healthy lifestyles need to be promoted at all ages in an effort to reduce levels
of disease and disability in later life. If you keep physically fit by
exercising regularly, you increase your chance of living a healthier life –
feeling well, looking well and maintaining your lifestyle. In developed
countries, over 10% of deaths each year may be attributed to lack of regular
physical activity. [1] Older people have the most to gain from regular exercise
and the most to loose from inactivity. It is never too late to start exercising
and never a good time to stop. 10 Reasons why you should exercise regularly: 1.
Muscle Strength - Exercise helps to strengthen your muscles2. Joint Mobility -
Prevent stiffness in your joints3. Fitness - Exercise increases your heart rate
and can improve your fitness by enhancing the efficiency of your heart and
lungs.4. Weight - Exercise increases the amount of energy your body burns up
and, in combination with a healthy diet, can help to control your weight.5.
Sleep - Exercise can improve your sleep by increasing your sense of well-being
and improving blood and lymph circulation.6. Osteoporosis - Exercise is
important in the prevention of Osteoporosis.7. Balance - Exercise can reduce
the risk of falling by improving your agility.8. Depression and Anxiety -
Exercise contributes to a general sense of well-being.9. Blood Pressure -
Exercise can reduce your blood pressure.10. It Is FUN! Invite some friends and
make use of music while doing your exercises.
All of us need exercise – sportsmen and women warm up before competition, as
should all workers. The lack of activity e.g. like working in the same position
each day, places strain and demands on the postural muscles and can cause
fatigue and injury. A well-rounded and effective exercise program is within the
reach of all of us. Choose a programme that suites your lifestyle, personal
ability & pace. Incorporate physical activities during the day…..…walk to
the shop…climb a flight of stairs…do some gardening…clean your home…join a
dance class…go bowling…play golf…swim…join an exercise class
For more information, free advice during Physiotherapy Back Week orto find a
Physiotherapist who is also a member of the SASP, ( 0800 001870 DISCLAIMER:
The content of these pages is for information and educational purposes only.
The South African Society of Physiotherapy has attempted to provide up-to-date
and accurate information at the time of publication. The South African Society
of Physiotherapy does not assume liability for the use of the information
contained on these pages. It does not replace, nor should it be considered an
alternative to a medical consultation. In case of illness or injury,
individuals should consult their own physiotherapist or doctor. [1] Dept. Of
Health. Guideline for the Promotion of Active Ageing in older Adults at Primary
Level. http://doh.gov.za/docs/factsheets/guidelines/aging/index.html Access 25
June 2006
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