Run for your life

Physical exercise is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle but if one is suffering from health conditions that need precaution, then even more so. In a two-part series, doctors discuss physical exercises for people with specific ailments like cardiac condition and asthma

The health benefits of regular exercise cannot be overstated. Increased physical activity is strongly associated with decreased symptoms of depression, anxiety and malaise. Apart from maintaining a positive mental attitude and eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly can ensure a life filled with high levels of energy and tremendous passion for living.

The entire body benefits from regular exercise. The cells get more oxygen and nutrients. At the same time, more carbon dioxide and waste products from the tissues of the body are directed to the bloodstream and ultimately to the organs that remove waste from the body.

Regular exercise is particularly important in reducing the risk of coronory artery disease: this is due to lowered cholesterol levels, improved blood and oxygen supply to the heart and increased functional capacity of the heart.