Experiencing a health scare comes as a shock. Perhaps a routine scan reveals something unusual, maybe the GP launches extensive investigations over what has felt like a minor health niggle, or possibly acute illness strikes unexpectedly.
The period of waiting for results or gaining a full recovery can feel uncertain. When we are lucky enough to receive the all-clear, it comes as a blessing. Nevertheless, in the wake of a hiccough of this sort, disquieting questions about why it arose may follow, leading us to re-evaluate our lifestyle. Diet, physical activity and stress levels will most likely come under review.
The benefit to health of a low fat, high fibre diet, containing plenty of different coloured vegetables and fruits is common knowledge. The role exercise plays in the prevention of disease and chronic illness is much less understood. Whilst many people understand that the immediate results of exercise, such as increased cardiovascular fitness and weight control, are positive for health, they are less aware of its long term benefits. According to scientific research, these are significant and include reduced risk of diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Stress can be alleviated through exercise. Additionally, exercise is recognised to reduce inflammation, which is associated with many illnesses. These effects not only apply to the mind and body practices of Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates, but to all types of cardiovascular exercise and strength training.
For any adjustments we make to our lives to be truly healthful, it is vital that they feel enjoyable. With exercise, for example, we might discover that it can be fun to work out with friends, get out into nature, or take up a sport like badminton. Exercise can play a big part in our future health, but equally its presence in our life today should enhance living life to the full in the here and now.