REGULAR EXERCISE SUCH as sex, mowing the lawn and dancing have been described as “miracle cures” for a range of health problems.

A new report by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in the UK states that “embarrassment or cultural issues often prevent healthcare professionals from acknowledging the proven rehab benefits of sexual activity in relationships”.

AOMRC has analysed how exercise impacts overall health and can help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, depression and dementia. 

The report notes that increasing physical activity “improves health for those with chronic conditions and prevents many common serious medical conditions”.

If people exercised for 30 minutes five times a week, they would cut their risk of stroke by 30%, heart disease by 40%, and Type-2 diabetes by 50%.

Increasing the amount of times you mow the lawn, climb the stairs or do some DIY are recommended as other lifestyle changes to consider.

‘Reducing fatness’

The study differentiates between “increasing fitness” and “reducing fatness”, stating:

People who are overweight can improve their metabolic health by exercising, even if they don’t necessarily lose weight.

Professer Dame Sue Bailey, chair of AOMRC, described physical activity as “a wonder drug”.

“As the population has become more sedentary, conditions such as diabetes and obesity have increased dramatically … A society-wide increase in moderate physical activity could help reduce health inequalities and improve mental, as well as physical, health,” Bailey said.

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