267. Three types of exercise linked to lower risk of cancer, heart disease and death
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
Getting regular aerobic exercise has previously been shown to improve our health in many ways. But a new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open shows that three types of exercise might be especially helpful in lowering the risk of cancer, heart disease and death. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute collected data on well over 250,000 adults between the ages of 59 and 82. Those who met the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week had a 13 percent lower risk of death from any cause when compared with little or no exercise. Playing racquet sports like tennis or pickleball had the greatest improvement in health and longevity, followed by running and walking. If one of these activities is not for you, find some type of cardiovascular exercise you enjoy and do it on a regular basis.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
