More and more studies are demonstrating that regular physical activity is associated with an improved quality of life.

A properly prescribed exercise programme can lower health care cost, not only by reducing the incidences or severity of health problems, but also by diminishing an individual's reliance on drugs.

A listing of the medical problems and health-related conditions that can be at least partially treated and controlled by exercise would be extensive. A few of the most significant of these health concerns are the following:

Hypertension or high blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and its blood vessels which contribute to heart disease and heart failure. Regular endurance exercise will lower resting blood pressure and improve your heart function.

Anxiety and depression are two prevalent mental diseases. Many persons are affected by either or both of these diseases and fail to cope with the mental or emotional stresses that are associated with them. Exercise increases the brain's secretion of hormones that are associated with a relaxed, 'meditation-like' state of mind which reduces anxiety. Exercise similarly increases the brain's release of hormones that decrease depression.

Cholesterol concerns

Many of us are conscious of our cholesterol levels. The mortality rate for coronary heart disease climbs steadily when the cholesterol levels of individuals rise above the norm. Physically-active persons have cholesterol profiles that are consistent with a lower risk of heart disease. Regular aerobic exercise produces some very positive changes in individuals who are victims of high cholesterol problems. Regular aerobic exercise lowers the levels of what can be described as the 'bad' cholesterol and increases the levels of the 'good' cholesterol.

Age-related disorders such as osteoporosis or bone mineral loss are responsible for much discomforts as we age. Exercise strengthens and increases the density of our bones. Such desirable adaptive responses by the bones reduce many of the drawbacks associated with ageing.

Diabetes is characterised by many metabolic abnormalities. The body's inability to use sugar is the most prominent feature that we tend to associate with diabetes. Exercise has been used extensively as a part of the management strategy for both types of diabetes. By exercising regularly some individuals have reduced or eliminated their need for drugs that are used in diabetes management.

Back pains

Lower back pain can be a costly medical problem. Exercise has been found to be an effective means for both preven-ting and treating lower back pain. Exercises that target the muscles of the abdomen and the lower back can restore the optimum muscle balance and mobility and eliminate lower back pain.

A reduction in our blood circulation can lead to the development of many other health problems. Regular exercise is a very effective modality in controlling poor circulation and improving the physical capabilities of its sufferers. Exercise is very effective in speeding up the development of new blood vessels in our body tissues that have lost their blood supply.

As we use more exercise to address our health concerns 'more exercise and less drugs' should be the standard prescription, not the exception for those individuals who are interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Kenneth Gardner is an exercise physiologist at the G. C. Foster College of Physical Education: email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.