Whenever we hear a healthy
lifestyle, we are always reminded
that we should quit smoking, have a balanced diet and
lose weight. In doing so,
exercising has a major role in catalyzing these lifestyle approaches toward
being in good shape. Scientists believe that having a regular exercise
stimulates one’s system, particularly the heart’s blood passageway, by
enlarging the coronary vessels. As a result, these allow more oxygen to pass
through the cardiovascular vessels despite some narrowing as people age. This
explains why a physically fit person is less likely to suffer from heart
diseases such as heart attack and stroke. If the heart works efficiently,
consequences of having heart problems are less likely to happen. In a recent
study conducted, it showed that having a sustained moderate exercise may help
relax the blood vessels of older adults. As this happens, exercise helps
restore the youthfulness of older men. Studies proved that as people age, the blood
vessels become more
constricted contributing to the risks factors of having high
blood pressure and clogging of the arteries. However, the study made by the University
of Colorado in Boulder
gives
sedentary older men the hope of still being healthy by just having an
hour-walk routine five times a week. Dr. Christopher A. De Souza said this is a
very stress-free activity for most sedentary older men. He added that even the
younger counterparts can do the same. The study consisted of 28 healthy but
sedentary men. Thirteen were in their 20s; and the rest were in their 60s. A
test called plethysmography was used to measure the blood vessel function of
the participants. It was found out that blood vessels of the older men are more
constricted than the younger ones. Eight older men underwent the hour-long
walking exercise five times a week for three months. The rest remained
sedentary. After a three-month exercise, the men in the routine exercise
program showed a positive turnaround from constricted blood vessels to an
improved vessel function compared to their counterparts, even without changes
in their body weight, waistline, blood pressure and cardiovascular health
status. Dr. De Souza said that although changes may not appear abruptly
outside, there is something to look forward to since by exercising the inside is
being improved. He added that couch potatoes men in their 60s can still strive
to live a healthy lifestyle by starting to exercise. It is never too late to be
healthy.