Encore Episode: The Right Dosage of Exercise as Medicine

You can make the most of life by taking charge of your own health.

There is now a curriculum to incorporate exercise as medicine in medical school. Exercise is more powerful than any medication.

The three things that can really improve individual health are:
1. Exercise
2. Good nutrition
3. Eliminating behavior that is harmful to your health like smoking

Adults should do 150 minutes or more of moderate exercise per week. A brisk walk five days a week for 30 minutes would fulfill that requirement. It should be so intense you couldn't sing but not so intense you can't talk.

Small amounts of exercise will help. Fifteen minutes of physical activity per day can cut mortality by almost 15 percent. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator and parking the car farther away can improve your health.

Strength training can reduce bone and muscle mass loss. Weight lifting strengthens both bones and muscles. Women don't need to worry about bulking up from strength training.

Today's children have greater health risks, because we have a more sedentary culture. Make sure your children get moving. Physical education is important in schools. Community activities can be a fun way to get them moving.

Do what you can. Don't be afraid to start slow. Fixing your fitness level can help reduce your health care expenses.

Listen in as Dr. Bob Sallis shares how you can improve your health with the right dosage of exercise.