How Do Physical Activities Help Manage Chronic Diseases Impact?

Common diseases are a leading global cause of death across ages and nations, impacting both adolescents and adults worldwide.

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22 January 2024 10:34 AM
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How Do Physical Activities Help Manage Chronic Diseases Impact?

Regular diseases are the preliminary cause of death worldwide across ages, countries, and weather. These diseases impact adolescents and adults. Research states, “Lack of exercise is the major cause of chronic diseases. Physical inactivity is as harmful as smoking and poor diet.

Opposedly, increased physical activity reduces the impact of Chronic diseases. Most body systems and physiology benefit from physical activities. For example, aerobic cycles can assist in preventing heart disease. If you suffer from cholesterol or high blood pressure, exercise moderately.

As per UK Physical Activities Guidelines, “adults should try to remain active throughout the day with exercise. They should dedicate at least 150 minutes/week to physical activities.” 

At the same time, individuals with reduced mobility or strict work-life schedules may struggle to exercise. The easiest way to get moving here is – by walking regularly. Starting a workout session with a walk act as a warm-up. You can check other flexibility exercises and choose a sport to get healthier.

To benefit from any physical activity- you should concentrate on your breathing, heart rate and keep cholesterol in check. It is known as moderate activity.

You can listen and talk moderately but cannot listen to songs while exercising. Likewise, breathing fast and a rising heart rate is known as vigorous physical activity. You can only utter a few words while trying to pause in between the exercises.

The blog lists ways you can benefit from physical activities for chronic diseases.

5 Ways Physical Activities Help with Chronic Diseases Management

Physical activities help prevent long-term conditions and improve the quality of life who have them. It is a complete program that ensures improved muscle coordination and a healthy heart rate and keeps joints healthy.

Physical movement helps ensure body balance having mobility issues. It helps balance the movements and prevent falling. Here are some other ways physical activities help manage Chronic diseases:

1) Helps manage sugar levels in diabetes

In Diabetes Type-2 patients, the disease restricts the body from using insulin and leads to unregulated levels of sugar in the blood. Over time, this impacts other body parts, including the brain and blood vessels. Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity or hormonal activity and can lower or balance sugar levels in the body.

2) Prevent heart disease from getting severe

As per a 2018 research, “including exercise in your schedule can help reduce Coronary Artery Disease issue and improves blood flow”. 

It also reduces mortality, and the improved blood flow prevents blockages leading to severe complications. Individuals with heart disease should focus on breathing and walking regularly. It not only keeps the heart in good shape but prevents blockages.

Gymming and Cardio exercises are the best. If you cannot make time for it, walking can help improve the symptoms. If you have recently undergone heart surgery, wait to recover.

Avoid doing any heavy exercises in this phase for up to 5 months. Grab up the pace slowly and steadily. Consult your doctor if you can continue with exercises and the type you can do. Never underestimate consultation or exercises may exacerbate the issue.

3) HIIT helps battle depression

Depression is one of the most common diseases that impact individuals. It affects the overall body functionality in the long term if left unregulated and leads to sleeplessness, high heart rate, blood pressure, etc.

However, depression patients may benefit from HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training). It is a short-term exercise routine followed by rest or low-intensity exercises. The exercise here lasts for approximately 20 minutes. It is ideal for individuals who work to stick by long exercise sessions.

Individuals suffering from other mental diseases like Schizophrenia find exercises time-consuming. They do not ensure a routine owing to tiresome exercising sessions.   However, a short HIIT 8-week workout session is impactful in the following ways:

  • Ensured decreased Body Mass Index
  • Lower resting Heart Rate
  • Lower pulse pressure
  • Decreased body weight
  • Improved mental health scores
  • Reduced depression symptoms
  • Social avoidance

4) Reduces Fibromyalgia pain

Fibromyalgia is a Chronic disease in which an individual faces pain throughout the body. It implies constant muscle aches. It does not progress with time.  Presently, there is no cure for the disease but you can certainly reduce the impact with physical activities. According to a source- “Every 1 in 20 people suffer from Fibromyalgia in the UK. Out of which the most sufferers are women”. Common signs include-

  • Sleeping difficulty
  • Problems with memory and concentration
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Digestive issues
  • Dry eyes

Individuals dealing with the issue may improve the condition with constant exercises like stretching and balancing, which reduces pain and disability associated with the condition. Moreover, aerobic exercises lessen the intensity of pain and fatigue. Ensure a breathing session of 30-45 minutes each day for 6-8 weeks. It would help reduce pain and ensure sound sleep.

5) Being active helps reverse obesity

Having a BMI of 30 and higher implies obesity. It is a chronic condition impacting 4 in 10 adults in the country. Obesity comes with multiple issues like- Cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart-related diseases. 

You can begin your health-conscious journey by cycling or walking a few miles daily.

Moreover, exercise reduces the chances of developing life-threatening issues like heart attack, blockage, depression, or cancer. As per a 2021 report, “Physical activities promote healthy and long life for obese individuals.”  Thus, keeping yourself active and engaging in activities helps you combat obesity and ensure a disease-free lifestyle. 

Regular exercise improves cardiometabolic health comparable to movements observed with weight loss programs. If your BMI is over 30 and you have conditions like blood pressure and cholesterol, consult your specialist urgently.  

End Note

Beginning an exercise routine and sticking by it is hard. You can ask someone close to motivate you or help you start the session. Talk with your personal doctor to know in detail about the exercises that may benefit you in your body condition.  Choose interesting activities to engage in first. It would gradually help you ensure a strict schedule. Write For Us, so everyone on the internet knows your workout schedule.

Also Read: Benefits Of Physical Activity: How Exercise Can Improve Your Health

FAQs

Why is lack of exercise a major cause of chronic diseases?

Lack of exercise is as harmful as smoking and poor diet, contributing significantly to chronic diseases.

How much physical activity is recommended for adults?

Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, as per UK guidelines.

Can physical activities help manage diabetes and heart disease?

Yes, exercise improves insulin sensitivity in diabetes and reduces the severity of heart disease, improving blood flow.

How does High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) benefit mental health, specifically in depression cases?

HIIT decreases body mass index, lowers resting heart rate, and reduces depression symptoms, offering a time-efficient solution for mental health.