title: Exercise and health: fact or hype?
abstract: There is strong evidence that exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and that it reduces total mortality in men. This evidence comes from well-conducted, large prospective studies. These studies demonstrate a dose-response relationship and that beginning exercise later in life is beneficial, whereas stopping exercise is harmful. The data show that exercise is beneficial for those older than 65. Preliminary data also suggest that exercise may improve the health of women and that exercise may reduce the risk of malignancy (particularly colon cancer). The risks of a sedentary life-style dictate that physicians should routinely advise patients to engage in regular physical activity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Knoxville Unit.
authors.forename: W G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Thompson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012306:Risk; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects