Regular physical activity has long been associated with numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Now, a new study published in JAMA Network Open has revealed that exercise not only decreases the risk of developing health problems but also helps prevent hospitalisation.
The study, which evaluated the health data of over 81,000 patients between the ages of 42 and 78, found that even as little as 20 minutes of daily physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of common health conditions. These include aneamia, gallbladder disease, pneumonia, diabetes, and more.
Researchers discovered that the more people exercised, the lower their risk of developing these health issues and being hospitalised for them. For instance, exercising an additional 20 minutes each day was associated with a 3.8% lower risk of hospitalisation for colon polyps and a remarkable 23% lower risk for diabetes-related hospitalisations.
Another study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine supports these findings. It revealed that just 11 minutes of exercise per day, or 75 minutes per week, can prevent heart disease, stroke, and various cancers. The study, which analyzed 196 peer-reviewed articles, concluded that moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, hiking, cycling, or dancing, can reduce the risk of early death by 23%.
These findings highlight the importance of physical activity in maintaining good health and preventing hospitalisation. To gather this data, researchers provided participants with wrist-worn activity trackers for a week. By analysing the impact of physical activity on the participants’ health and hospitalisation risk, they were able to establish a clear relationship between exercise and better health outcomes.
It’s worth noting that some participants may have health issues that prevent them from engaging in regular exercise. However, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the benefits of physical activity in reducing the risk of various health conditions and hospitalisation.
Regular exercise offers a multitude of advantages beyond preventing hospitalisation. It boosts immune function, improves insulin sensitivity, and benefits heart and lung health. Additionally, exercise lowers inflammation in the body and reduces risk factors like high blood pressure and obesity.
Moreover, physical activity helps individuals sleep better and manage stress levels. It is recommended to start easy such as starting with 10 to 15 minutes of walking per day, gradually increasing the duration, intensity, and frequency.
There are various options for physical activity, including cycling, running, resistance training, swimming, tennis, pickleball, and tai chi. For those struggling to find time for exercise, using a fitness tracker to monitor daily steps can be beneficial. Dr. Johannes recommends aiming for at least 5,000 steps per day, but emphasises that any physical activity is better than none.
Contrary to common belief, exercise doesn’t have to be continuous. Even short bursts of activity, such as jogging to catch a bus or playing with a pet, can significantly lower the risk of death. Exercise can be broken down into several segments throughout the day with the same health benefits.
This new research confirms the positive impact of exercise on preventing hospitalisation and reducing the risk of common health conditions. Engaging in as little as 20 minutes of daily physical activity can make a significant difference in maintaining good health. So, let’s lace up those sneakers, hit the pavement, and protect ourselves from a host of health issues.
