Exercise vs. Medication

Medication is one of the most widely bought items across the United States. Last year alone, 325.8 billion dollars was spent on medicine (1). Yes, that’s right billion.

Photo Credit: http://www.adultmeducation.com/OverviewofMedicationAdherence.html

Why is so much money poured into medicine? Well a lot of it has to do with out lack of exercise and poor nutrition. Now, I am not saying that medication is useless. I know that there are plenty of people out there who need it and are seeing results with it. All I’m saying is that some people may not need to be spending as much as they currently are.

In fact, they could probably take that money join a gym and see similar results while saving a little for themselves. Exercise has been shown to produce comparable effects to medicine (2,3,6). It has been shown to help with things like high blood pressure, obesity, depression, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease to name a few.

A study done by the CDC last year showed that 80% of Americans do not get enough recommended physical activity (4). Now this was a randomized survey study, so there could be some issues with individuals answering honestly. However, the fact that number is so high is scary.

As a nation we spend trillions on health care each year, when we could be moving more and eating better instead. This number is way too high. Think about the generations to come. That number will probably continue to increase.

Exercising more is a sure fire way to improve your health. There is plenty of research to support it (5).  I have seen it help people get off medication. It has so many benefits, and the best part is its free (unless you join a gym). So the question is why not give it a chance?

If you struggle with exercising, make a plan to find a friend who can go with you. Having someone there for you usually leads to better success. Also start with small goals. I have written about this here .

Try to exercise for 5-10 minutes one time per week to start off. Once that becomes easier increase the time. Once that becomes easier try doing two days instead of one. It will get easier, trust me.

Wouldn’t you like to see improvements in your health without spending so much on medicine? Then start exercising. Soon enough you won’t be able to stop!

If you are looking for a personal trainer in Savannah, contact me to set up a consultation.

And if you found any of this information helpful, or know of someone it could help please share with others!

References:

1) http://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-prescription-drug-spending-drops-for-first-time-in-58-years/

2) Huseyin N, et al. Comparative effectiveness of exercise and drug interventions on mortality outcomes: metaepidemiological study. BMJ 2013; 347.

3) http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/prevention/physicalactivity

4) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult participation in aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activities-united states. MMWR 2013. 62(17); 326-330.

5) Warburton D, et al. Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. CMAJ. 2006; 174(6).

6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/behindtheheadlines/news/2013-10-02-could-exercise-be-as-effective-as-medication/