Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Go Exercise! . . .Again?

I was beginning to get comfortable with that incessant demand in my head saying, "Go exercise now!" or the droning variation, "You haven't exercised yet today!"  I have found ways to check-off exercise on my daily TO DO list by barely long enough stints of cardio hip-hop or heavy duty gardening.  But now, the volume of those pesky reminders has been turned up.  Leading researchers in the field of counseling are now recommending that exercise be included as part of the standard treatment plan in counseling. According to their research, exercise will:

  • Increase immune function
  • Strengthen bones
  • Lower cholesterol
  • Reduce sick days 25% to 50%
  • Reduce Alzheimer's risk 40%
  • Reduce cancer risk 30% 
  • Reduce cancer recurrence 50%
  • Reduce colon cancer 60%
  • Reduce strokes 27%
  • And, is as effective as medication and therapy for depression! (p. 111)

So, now how do we silence those demanding exercise gremlins?

I know, I know . . . by exercising.  I really should go exercise now.

Reference

Ivey, A. E., & Zalaquett, C. P. (2011). Neuroscience and counseling: Central issue for social justice leaders. Journal for Social Action in Counseling and Psychology, 3(1), 103-115.



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