Health Benefits Of Exercise Essay

Exercise, being fit, and staying active are all important for maintaining one’s health. Exercise is important because it controls weight, and is beneficial to the mind and body. Without exercise, being inactive can lead to diseases such as coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, and colon cancer, according to Harvard researchers.
Coronary heart disease, or Atherosclerosis, is a disease in which plaque, a waxy substance, is built up in the coronary arteries. Plaque can harden or break open after a while. Hardened plaque partially blocks the arteries and reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Ruptured plaque can lead to blood clots which can completely block the artery. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue during activity, and shortness of breath. coronary heart disease is diagnosed through one or more tests which include coronary angiography, a heart CT scan, an exercise stress test, and more. Medicines that treat diabetes, high cholesterol, or blood pressure can delay any further damage caused by coronary heart disease. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, surgery may be needed to either clear out the arteries with angioplasty and stent placement, or create a new …show more content…
The risk of Osteoporosis is increased with age, and occurs in women more than it does with men. There may be no symptoms of osteoporosis, but some do occur in certain individuals. Gradually getting shorter, a stooped posture, backaches, and fractures in the wrist, hip, or spine may serve as warning signs for osteoporosis. Diagnosis includes bone mineral density tests, or tests that show the density of a bone. After osteoporosis has been diagnosed, treatments include increasing the intake of vitamin D and calcium, prevention of falls, and weight bearing exercise. Because exercise strengthens bones and muscle, it can improve balance and coordination which leads to less