Dentaltown January 2018 - 91

of cancer. In breast cancer, it is thought that the hormones associated with
breast cancer are modified through exercise. Family history is also a risk factor
for both cancers, so if either one is in your family you have an extra reason to
get out there and move.
Heart attack and stroke are the leading causes of death in the United States.
Cardiovascular disease is well-studied and has many associated causes. Smoking,
certain fats in the blood vessels, high blood pressure and high blood sugar are all
known risk factors.15 After reading everything above, it may seem obvious that
diet can influence most of these risk factors. Exercise can reduce blood pressure,
increase capillary and mitochondria formation, and reduce blood sugar. Exercise,
in fact, has been shown to have a protective effect against cardiovascular disease
for people of all races, religions and socioeconomic levels. Unfortunately, a growing
number of people are becoming sedentary. This is likely part of the reason why
cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. The great news
is that even light-intensity exercise can have a protective benefit.16

Live long and prosper!
Not many people like to get older and we tend to ignore all the wisdom that
comes with age. We eventually worry about the aches, pains and various health
issues that are associated with aging, such as Alzheimer's or cancer. Exercise, as
already mentioned, can reduce your risk for several diseases. But did you know
that it can also keep your brain happy for those extra years you are going to enjoy?
Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which helps nourish the brain and
remove free radicals. It also acts on the brain circuitry to increase and improve
connections, which ultimately has a protective effect for our cognitive abilities.17, 18
I can't promise you will live forever, but I can tell you that exercise will allow
you to enjoy those added years. There are few things as powerful as exercise
that extend life and improve its quality. In fact, seven hours of physical activity
a week reduces chances of an early death by 40 percent.1 OK, seven hours may
seem like a lot, but don't be discouraged. Remember, even 20 minutes a day has
health benefits. Slowly work your way up to seven hours and enjoy the benefits
for the rest of your life-may it be long and prosperous!
The benefits of exercise are cumulative. If you start today and keep it going,
you will reap the benefits of less disease, improve mental health, and enjoy a
stronger body and longer life.
References
1. http://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-unhealthy-jobs-in-america-2013-11#2-dentists-and-dental-hygienistsassistantsand-dental-lab-technicians-14
2. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm
3. http://time.com/magazine/us/4793878/june-5th-2017-vol-189-no-21-u-s/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763382/
5. http://run-fit.com/isdietmoreimportantthanexerciseforlosingweightandlookinggood/
6. https://www.dietdoctor.com/science
7. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-diet/art-20044295
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25071075
9. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495
10. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201710/one-hour-exercise-week-protects-against-depression
11. https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/bone-health/exercise/exercise-your-bone-health
12. https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/61/10/1059/600461/The-Loss-of-Skeletal-Muscle-Strength-Mass-and
13. https://academic.oup.com/ije/article-abstract/17/4/743/627482
14. http://radonc.wdfiles.com/local--files/part-2/RANZCR_Stats_1996b.pdf
15. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hdw/causes
16. http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)31634-3/fulltext
17. http://www.brainrules.net/exercise?scene=
18. http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0182155

dentaltown.com \\ JANUARY 2018

http://www.dentaltown.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dentaltown January 2018