Running "Fountain of Youth"
Scientists
have discovered the fountain of youth—it’s running. Studies continue to
find that hitting the roads improves health and well-being. “The biggest
benefits come from vigorous exercise like running,” says JoAnn Manson,
M.D., chief of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Here
are the latest reasons to lace up.
LOOK AHEAD
People who run more than 35 miles a week are 54 percent less likely to
suffer age-related vision loss than those who cover 10 miles a week.
KEEP THE BEAT
Runners who log a weekly run of 10 miles (or more) are 39 percent less
likely to use high-blood-pressure meds and 34 percent less likely to
need cholesterol meds compared with those who don’t go farther than
three miles.
FUNCTION WELL
Men who burn at least 3,000 calories per week (equal to about five hours
of running) are 83 percent less likely to have severe erectile
dysfunction.
BUILD BONE
Running strengthens bones better than other aerobic activities, say
University of Missouri researchers who compared the bone density of
runners and cyclists. Sixty-three percent of the cyclists had low
density in their spine or hips; only 19 percent of runners did.
THINK FAST
British workers were surveyed on a day they worked out and a day they
didn’t. People said they made fewer mistakes, concentrated better, and
were more productive on the day they were active.
STAY SHARP
A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reported that
women who were active as teenagers were less likely to develop dementia
later in life.
SLEEP TIGHT
Insomniacs fell asleep in 17 minutes on days they ran, compared to 38
minutes on days they didn’t. They also slept for an extra hour on days
they exercised.
SNEEZE LESS
People who exercise for an hour a day are 18 percent less likely to
suffer upper-respiratory-tract infections than those who are inactive,
according to a study from Sweden. Moderate activity boosts immunity.
BREATHE EASY
Researchers had asthmatics do two cardio workouts and one strength
session a week. After three months, they reported less wheezing and
shortness of breath.
LIVE LONGER
A review of 22 studies found that people who work out 2.5 hours a week
are 19 percent less likely to die prematurely than those who don’t
exercise. A separate study found that active people have a 50 percent
lower risk of premature death.
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Reference: runnersworld.com ✿
