{"id":3596,"date":"2011-03-09T09:00:06","date_gmt":"2011-03-09T14:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ehealth.cooperhealth.org\/?p=3596"},"modified":"2011-03-09T09:00:06","modified_gmt":"2011-03-09T14:00:06","slug":"protect-yourself-from-aging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/2011\/03\/09\/protect-yourself-from-aging\/","title":{"rendered":"Protect Yourself From Aging"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Endurance exercise \u2013 jogging, bicycling, walking, and the like \u2013 can stop us from looking and feeling old, and might even help us live longer, or so a new study of mice suggests.<\/p>\n

Published February 21 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences<\/em>, the study, conducted by researchers at McMaster University, Canada, found that premature aging in nearly every organ in the body was completely prevented in laboratory mice that ran on a treadmill three times a week for five months.<\/p>\n

The mice were genetically engineered to age faster than normal mice via alterations affecting their mitochondria \u2013 the so-called powerhouses within cells that generate energy for nearly every cell in the body. Theory has it that, as we age, mitochondria become less efficient, resulting in the steady decline in bodily tissue and organ function.<\/p>\n

But, for the study\u2019s genetically disadvantaged mice that regularly ran on the treadmill, the aging process was halted. Those mice looked as young as healthy mice while their sedentary counterparts were balding, graying, physically inactive, socially isolated and less fertile, the researchers said.<\/p>\n

The researchers also noted that other studies that tried to treat these animals with medication and calorie reduction showed those strategies to be less effective for slowing aging.<\/p>\n

While evidence from this new animal study shows promise in endurance exercise as an effective anti-aging therapy, studies in humans have clearly shown that endurance exercise reduces the risk of many chronic, age-related diseases and conditions.<\/p>\n

Exercise Regularly for Continued Health<\/h3>\n

\u201cThere is no doubt that using your body will keep it healthy and stave off many of the ailments and conditions associated with aging, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and joint and muscle pain, to name a few,\u201d said Cooper University Hospital\u2019s David B. Gealt, DO<\/a>, Assistant Director of Sports Medicine at Cooper Bone & Joint Institute<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In addition to reducing body fat and keeping it off, regular endurance exercise can improve cardiovascular and respiratory function; lower blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels; increase muscle mass and strength; improve stamina and energy; and improve overall health and well being.<\/p>\n

\u201cRegular exercise helps people age more slowly and live healthier, more vigorous lives,\u201d Dr. Gealt said.<\/p>\n

He added that anyone thinking about starting an exercise program of any kind should first consult with his or her doctor. In the meantime, Dr. Gealt offers the following information to help you get started on the right track:<\/p>\n

Employ Good Sense and Safety<\/h3>\n

Endurance exercise is any activity that increases your heart rate and breathing for an extended period of time. Examples of activities that are moderate for the average older adult, and activities that are more vigorous, include:<\/p>\n

Moderate<\/h4>\n