Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Exercise and stress reduction

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Yoga
Yoga
Benefit of regular exercise
Benefit of regular exercise
Flexibility exercise
Flexibility exercise
Preventative medicine
Preventative medicine

Alternative Names    Return to top

Stress reduction and exercise

Information    Return to top

Question:

Can exercise help reduce a person's stress level?

Answer:

Yes. Research has found that there are mental health benefits from exercise, including reduced stress and increased confidence for those who exercise regularly -- even 20 minutes a day. Exercise helps you improve your overall health. It also reduces your risk of developing chronic (life-long) conditions such as heart disease, and may help prevent dementia and some forms of cancer.

References    Return to top

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Accessed February 22, 2009.

Agerter DC, Rasmussen NH, Sutor B. Depression. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 58.

Larzeiere MM, Jones GN. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice. Wellness. 2008;35.

Update Date: 2/22/2009

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.