It is widely accepted that regular exercise is important for cardiovascular health, longevity, and overall improved quality of life. An overlooked benefit is the management of most chronic health conditions. Conditions such as anxiety and depression, diabetes, and high blood pressure can not only be better managed with exercise but prevented as well. Exercise should be considered a chronic condition vaccine (Gaul, 2019).
According to Statistics Canada, “45% of Canadians lived with at least one major chronic disease in 2021 and 1 in 12 had three or more chronic conditions” (2023). These numbers correlate with the fact that not many Canadians are meeting physical activity guidelines (Statistics Canada, 2023). Although it may not be a quick and easy solution, regular exercise can greatly augment traditional treatments for these conditions and lessen the reliance on pharmaceuticals. As a sufferer of multiple chronic illness, I have experienced firsthand how exercise can reduce one’s dependence on medication. Taking into consideration the overall health benefits, both with treating and preventing chronic conditions and with the overall maintenance of peak health, it’s safe to conclude that regular exercise can also extend your lifespan. “Research dating back to the late 1980s has consistently shown that aerobic fitness may help extend lives” (Ahmed, 2019).
References
Ahmed, M. A. (2019, March 13) Can exercise extend your life? Harvard Health Publishing https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-exercise-extend-your-life-2019031316207
Gaul, C. A. (2019). Exercise is Medicine: Treatment and Prevention of Chronic Disease. UBCMJ 11(1), 5-6.
Statistics Canada. (2023). A glimpse at the health of Canadians. https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/5102-glimpse-health-canadians
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