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Body Movement, In Most Cases, Is Better Than Medicine Says British Medical Journal (BMJ) Study

By rkutchjm on October 2, 2013 • ( 0 )

Crudely summarized by Renovating Your Mind as, “Please Get Off Your Ass And Start Exercising!”

BMJ published an Oct. ’13 research study comparing the health benefits of exercise versus the use of drug therapy. What they found was exciting! Below is a link to study:

Comparative Effectiveness of Exercise And Drug Interventions On Mortality Outcomes

The focus was on the major causes of death in the U.S. which is diabetes (Type II), heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. Scientists summarized results of previous studies by observing the disease outcomes. They reviewed 305 different studies totaling over 339,000 subjects.

Exercise was not only as good as medication but sometimes better in the treatment of the diseases listed above. The only exception being heart failure, which is usually more effectively treated with medications.

Renovating Your Mind relates that exercise would be a value as preventative in reducing the risk of heart failure. When damage is already done to the heart, medications maybe the only way to postpone death.

Research is now focusing in medicine on what is called “outcomes”. These are endpoints of therapy (medications, exercise) on morbidity and mortality. No longer do we focus only on lab values (cholesterol, blood pressure, urinalysis, etc.) and physical examination but we observe the final results of therapy. It’s pretty easy when the end game results in two choices, life or death.

Numerical lab values are only one piece of the puzzle to determine what’s right or wrong within the body. Physical examination, past medical profile and family history add extra pieces to the patient’s medical picture. “Outcomes” are necessary to complete a plan to help guide the individual down the right path for health.

Life is more pleasurable when you’re having a good time. Make exercise into a fun event getting together with friends and/or family. Body movement with another person is a great time to bond and grown mentally. In addition, you are there to push each other with something you both enjoy to ensure better health. Common things like walking, hiking, biking, running, jogging, weight lifting, tennis, basketball, golf, etc. Uncommon things like going to craft fairs, museums, amusement parks, hula hooping, white water rafting, rock climbing, kayaking, etc.

Drugs should never be used as the easy way out when there are better alternatives such as exercise. Speak with your healthcare professional about possible side effects, interactions with foods and any long-term effects of the medications. Is the long-term benefit of the drug worth the risk? Are the non-drug alternatives safer with a better “outcome” track record?

With my pharmacy background you would think I would push medications to ensure my financial survival. My concern is helping you find the road to health leading to a higher quality of life. In effect, your “Rob Time” becomes more valuable as I locate and disseminate information to help me, help you. It’s all about caring. Spread the love with me.

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