Many people like to make New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps you did this year, too. Top New Year’s Resolutions (by search volume) this year were getting healthy, getting organized, and living life to its fullest. One vital step for getting healthy is regular exercise.
The American Heart Association recommends that adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise 5 days per week. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise includes activities such as brisk walking, jogging, biking, and swimming. You’re probably aware that regular exercise helps people to maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk for diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. Did you know that regular exercise can also benefit your ears, nose, and throat (ENT)?
Exercise strengthens your body’s immune system, making it easier for you to fight off infections like those that cause ear aches, sinusitis, and sore throat. So, the healthier and stronger you body is generally, the less frequently you are likely to run into those ENT issues.
In addition to strengthening your body’s immune system, exercise is an effective way to reduce stress. Some stress can be good, as it makes you more alert and focused and can help you to achieve your goals. Excessive stress, however, can wear you down and over time cause you to get sick more often. Exercise helps you to release stress in a safe and healthy way.
If you haven’t exercised in a while, chat with your doctor before starting, drastically changing, or increasing your exercise routine. It’s best to start out small so, doing activities that you enjoy so that exercise becomes a habit and part of your weekly routine.
