News – exercise keeps you healthy – news

Yesterday – Man is not made to sit. Whether it’s hiking, biking, swimming, dancing, or climbing stairs, any type of exercise promotes health. “Exercise and physical activity are not only good for general well-being, but they can also reduce the risk of numerous cancers or improve the prognosis in case of illness,” explains Dr. Stefan Resnyak, head of the sports medicine department of the Bolzano hospital. Numerous scientifically based observational studies show: People who do a lot of sport and / or exercise regularly are up to 30% less likely to develop cancer than people who are not physically active. It has not yet been fully demonstrated which mechanisms physical activity protects against the development of cancer. A variety of biological effects may be involved. Influences on the immune system, hormonal influences and anti-inflammatory effects are discussed, as more and more special messenger substances are released. However, we have become a sedentary society suffering from lack of exercise. This promotes diseases of civilization such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, but also cancer diseases. “Current studies show that a good third of Europe’s adult population gets too little exercise,” says Stefan Resnyak. Healthy exercise doesn’t have to be a competitive sport. Regular and moderate endurance or strength training already shows its effects. Those who do not need to exercise should integrate as much physical activity as possible into everyday life: leave the car at home more often, take the stairs instead of the elevator, get up from time to time while sitting in front of the computer screen – there are many opportunities to bring more movement into life. “Any movement is better than nothing,” says Dr. Resnyak, “and if you’ve never played sports: it’s never too late to start!”