Ear, Nose & Throat Update Exercise Keeps You Younger…really

March 20, 2008 - PRLog -- By Jeffrey Raval, MD

I’m a firm believer in the value exercise for every age. Just the fact that we’re up and moving around rather than planted on the sofa in front of the television is a positive. But now there’s proof that exercise actually helps to keep our minds in shape as well as our muscles. Especially as we age.

A well-controlled study done at Ohio State University recently underscores the benefits of exercise.

A group of 28 seniors approximately 65 years old participated. All were suffering from pulmonary disease which left them in the condition of a person 75 or 80 years old. At the onset of the study, each was tested for their ADL—Ability of Daily Living—by performing the kinds of simple tasks they’d routinely have to do in a day: following a recipe, keeping track of their medications, and following driving directions to someone’s home.

For the next five weeks, the group exercised daily. The level of exercise varied depending on their abilities. Some rode bikes, others jogged or swam, some walked.

After five weeks, their exercise time was cut back to three workouts a week. After 10 weeks the group was retested for ADL and all of their scores had improved.

The group was advised to keep on exercising. One year later, the 28 participants were retested. Those who had exercised irregularly or not at all experienced a decline in their ADL scores. However, the of the participants who were conscientious about their exercise, working out three times a year all year long, maintained higher ADL scores.

The conclusion: regular exercise improves performance on even basic living skills.

Exercise helps keep the body and mind fit and is an important component of aging well.

Without question, we’re all living longer today. But living well means taking an active role in your health by exercising the mind and body.

Just one reminder: if you haven’t exercised on a regular basis, it’s important to check with your physician before embarking on a new exercise routine. Your doctor will advise you how to protect against injuries that can happen more readily as we age.

Jeffrey Raval, MD is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School and did his residency and internship at the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University Barnes Jewish Hospital. He completed his fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology, is double board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. He is Section Head of Otolaryngology at Swedish Hospital in Englewood and is the Medical Director of Matrix Spa in Denver. His is a practicing partner at Associates of Otolaryngology with offices at Harvard Park Medical Center and in Lone Tree and volunteers at Denver Inner City Health. Visit his websites at http://www.ravalmd.com and http://www.rockymountainlaser.com. 303-744-2300.

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