— USE IT OR LOSE IT (C)

C. Norman Shealy, M.D.,Ph.D.

I have written more than once about the benefits and the NECESSITY of physical exercise. Indeed, if you want to feel good and be healthy, adequate physical exercise may be more important than anything else. When you build slowly to adequate physical activity, you are likely to feel a need to eat real food and to avoid such sick and irresponsible habits as smoking.

The latest science reported in the Journal of Heart and Circulatory Physiology suggests that flexibility of body is a test of flexibility of the coronary arteries!! Sit on the floor with your legs out straight in front of you. Reach forward. IF YOU CANNOT TOUCH YOUR TOES, YOUR ARTERIES AR LIKELY STIFF! This applies only to those over 40. Of course there are many other studies demonstrating the benefits of physical exercise.

Unfortunately, only 10% of Americans get the MINIMUM physical exercise essential for basic health!! That is a puny 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days a week! I think an hour a day 7 days a week is optimal! To a great extent how you move is unimportant. Just daily simple calisthenics, yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, walking, dancing, biking, swimming, or any other activity will improve your health, mood, memory, immune system and longevity. You cannot afford the luxury of being a couch potato! Responsibility for health begins with you! Now is a good time to make your number one 2010 resolution EXERCISE. Start with one minute of bouncing and add one minute every day. Within one month you will be at the minimum of 30 minutes and well on your way to optimal flexibility of body and arteries. Even 3 minutes 10 times a day will make you much healthier.