Exercise Reduces Overall Mortality By 20%

 

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/study-finds-lowest-risk-death-090000466.html

Research Highlights:

• An analysis of physical activity and medical records for more than 100,000 people over 30 years found that individuals who performed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' currently recommended range of duration of moderate (150-300 minutes/week) or vigorous physical activity (75-150 minutes/week), respectively, had an observed 20-21% and 19% lower risk of mortality from all causes. 

• Individuals who performed two to four times the amount of recommended physical activity (150-600 minutes/week) were observed to have further reductions in mortality from all causes.

Researchers analyzed mortality data and medical records for more than 100,000 adults gathered from two large prospective studies: the all-female Nurses' Health Study and the all-male Health Professionals Follow-up Study from 1988-2018. Participants whose data were examined were 63% female, and more than 96% were white adults. They had an average age of 66 years and an average body mass index (BMI) of 26 kg/m2 over the 30-year follow-up period.

The analysis also found:

• Participants who met the guidelines for vigorous physical activity had an observed 31% lower risk of CVD mortality and 15% lower risk of non-CVD mortality, for an overall 19% lower risk of death from all causes. 

• Participants who met the guidelines for moderate physical activity had an observed 22-25% lower risk of CVD mortality and 19-20% lower risk of non-CVD mortality, for an overall 20-21% lower risk of death from all causes. 

• Participants who performed two to four times above the recommended amount of long-term vigorous physical activity (150-300 min/week) had an observed 27-33% lower risk of CVD mortality and 19% non-CVD mortality, for an overall 21-23% lower risk of death from all causes. 

• Participants who performed two to four times above the recommended amount of moderate physical activity (300-600 min/week) had an observed 28-38% lower risk of CVD mortality and 25-27% non-CVD mortality, for an overall 26-31% lower risk of mortality from all causes.

In addition, no harmful cardiovascular health effects were found among the adults who reported engaging in more than four times the recommended minimum activity levels. Previous studies have found evidence that long-term, high-intensity, endurance exercise, such as marathons, triathlons and long-distance bicycle races, may increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including myocardial fibrosis, coronary artery calcification, atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac death.

"This finding may reduce the concerns around the potential harmful effect of engaging in high levels of physical activity observed in several previous studies," Lee noted.

In a consumer state, everything is about indulgence. More! More! More!

Effectively, "More!" is the antithesis of common sense: moderation is the key. Thus, we have obesity, laziness, "addiction," preventable health issues, etc. Or, to summarize with one word: gluttony.

There are two trains of thought regarding lifestyle: live for tomorrow or live for now.  

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Those who perpetually live in the moment don't do it consciously, they just lack impulse control. They justify their lack of impulse control by saying "YOLO!" While they have a point, if they make it to their average life expectancy, they will likely be parasites of society. Meaning they will be indigent and unhealthy.

However, the person who always lives for tomorrow faces a similar existential dilemma: a state of constant self-discipline can result in life passing you by and not enjoying any of the benefits that come from impulse control. So, even though you're in good health, have no debt and sitting on a nice nest egg in your 401K, when are you going to enjoy it? Will you enjoy a nice figure and financial freedom at 70 as much as you would at 40?

Digressing...

Being healthy (i.e., eating good and exercising) is a lifestyle. It's something everyone should strive for. Why? Because your body is a temple. It is a shell that you were given to take care of by God. God entrusted you with life and free will. You didn't do anything to deserve your existence. It's all grace! The way you demonstrate respect to yourself - and more importantly, to God - is by having impulse control and self-discipline. Nobody is perfect. Set attainable goals. Just try to be healthy about 75% of the time. Do some pushups. Do some pullups. Walk a few miles. Better yet, run a few miles. Ride a bicycle. 

Exercising for a couple hours a week isn't that hard. Just do it.

Not only will you be better off physically, but you'll be better off mentally. Exercise releases endorphins that are natural antidepressants. So you will physically look and feel better, but your mental state will be better, too. 

Furthermore, good overall health also enables a buffer for lapses. So it opens the door for you to enjoy a greasy hamburger and 12 pack of beer on the weekend, cause you know you've earned it. And you know Monday you will put in that extra work to detoxify your temple. 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.