PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE

PEPTIC  ULCER DISEASE  refers to painful sores or ulcers in the lining of the stomach or first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum.

What Causes Ulcers?

No single cause has been found for ulcers. However, it is now clear that an ulcer is the end result of an imbalance between digestive fluids in the stomach and duodenum. Most ulcers are caused by an infection with a type of bacteria calledHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

Factors that can increase your risk for ulcers include:

Use of painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, naproxen Diclofenac,  n others), ibuprofen , and many others available by prescription; even safety-coated aspirin and aspirin in powdered  form can frequently cause ulcers.

Excess acid production from gastrinomas, tumors of the acid producing cells of the stomach that increases acid output

Excessive drinking of alcohol

Smoking or chewing tobacco

Serious illness

Radiation treatment to the area

What Are the Symptoms of an Ulcer?

An ulcer may or may not have symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:

A gnawing or burning pain in the middle or upper stomach between meals or at night
Bloating
Heartburn
Nausea or vomiting

In severe cases, symptoms can include:

Dark or black stool (due to bleeding)
Vomiting blood (that can look like "coffee-grounds")
Weight loss
Severe pain in the mid to upperabdomen

How Serious Is an Ulcer?

Though ulcers often heal on their own, you shouldn't ignore their warning signs. If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to serious health problems, including:

BleedingPerforation (a hole through the wall of the stomach)
Gastric outlet obstruction from swelling or scarring that blocks the passageway leading from the stomach to the small intestine

Taking NSAIDs can lead to an ulcer without any warning. The risk is especially concerning for the elderly and for those with a prior history of having peptic ulcer disease.


How Are Ulcers Treated?

If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to serious health problems. There are several ways in which ulcers can be treated, including making lifestyle changes, taking medication, and/or undergoing surgery.

Lifestyle Changes to Treat an Ulcer

To treat an ulcer, first eliminate substances that can be causing the ulcers. If you smoke or drink alcohol, stop. If the ulcer is believed to be caused by the use of NSAIDs, they need to be stopped.


Ulcer Medications
Ulcer medications can include:

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Proton pump medications reduce acid levels.
 Also multiple combinations of antibiotics can be taken for one to two weeks along with a PPI.

Upper endoscopy .
Some bleeding ulcers can be treated through an endoscope.

Surgery. Sometimes an operation is needed if the ulcer has created a hole in the wall of the stomach, or if there is serious bleeding that can't be controlled with an endoscope.


How Can I Prevent Ulcers?

To reduce the risk of developing ulcers:

Don't smoke.

Avoid alcohol.

Don't overuse aspirin and/or NSAIDs.

If you have symptoms of an ulcer, contact your health care provider.

Thank you

HLF🌴

COLON CANCER

Colon cancer happens when malignant tumors develop in the inner wall of the large intestine. It is in stages.
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in both men, and women especially in the US.

CAUSES
Unknown - no specific cause

RISK FACTORS
Factors that may increase your risk of colon cancer include:
👉Older age
👉Obesity
👉African-American race
👉A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
👉Inflammatory intestinal conditions
👉Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk
👉Family history of colon cancer
👉Lifestyle factor
👉Low-fiber, high-fat diet
👉A sedentary lifestyle
👉Untreated polyps may eventually become cancerous
👉Crohn's disease or Irritable Bowel Disease

PREVENTIVE MEASURES
👉screening can prevent cancer as well as detect it early, when it is more curable.
👉Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains which contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, which may play a role in cancer prevention
👉Stop alcohol intake
👉Stop smoking
👉Eat less red meat (beef, pork, or lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs and some luncheon meats), which have been linked with an increased risk of colon cancer
👉Exercise most days of the week
👉Maintain a healthy weight.

MANAGEMENT
will depend upon the stage of your cancer at diagnosis and other factors

Stage III colorectal cancer usually involves surgical removal of the tumor followed by chemotherapy.

HOME REMEDY FOR PREVENTING COLON CANCER
1.    Green Tea
Green tea has powerful antioxidants as it is rich in catechin polyphenols which helps in prevebting cancer cells.
Usage:
•    Boil a cup of water and add a teaspoon and a half of best quality organic green tea when the water starts to boil.
•    Leave this mixture to boil for two minutes.
•    Now strain the green tea and drink. It would be ideal for you to consume two glasses of green tea every day to prevent the spreading of colon cancer in your body.

2.    Flax Seed
Flax seed is derived from the flax plant, has a lot of health benefits. It cleanse and remove unwanted waste from the colon.
3.    Ginger And Garlic
Ginger roots or ginger is found to be a best home remedy to reduce the risk of colon cancer in individuals. It will help in reducing the inflammation to a greater extent and thereby reduces the risk of colon cancer
Use:
You can drink ginger tea with raw honey.

4.    Turmeric
Turmeric is also not just a good spice that you can use to prepare foods but it also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can treat a lot of diseases as well as colon cancer.

HLF🌴

DISCUSSING HEART DISEASE: The Number-One Killer / HEART ATTACK

THE HEART is the hardest working muscle in the body. The average heart beats 100,000 times a day to supply oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Blood pumped by the heart also shuttles waste products such as carbon dioxide to the lungs so it can be eliminated from the body. Proper heart function is essential to support life.

Coronary artery disease (CAD), commonly known as heart disease, is a condition in which cholesterol, calcium, and other fats accumulate in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. the heart muscle is starved for oxygen and a person experiences chest pain known as angina.

Sadly, some heart attacks lead to the heart stopping completely, a situation known as sudden cardiac arrest. The heart may also start to beat in a very dangerous rhythm called ventricular tachycardia, which is potentially fatal.

RISK FACTORS
👉 High cholesterol
👉 Diabetes
👉 Heart disease in a close blood relative
👉 Obesity
👉 Genetic factors
👉 High blood pressure
👉 Smoking
👉 Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

LIFESTYLE RISK FACTORS
👉 Eating a diet high in fat
👉 Being "type A" (impatient, aggressive, and/or competitive)
👉 Being physically inactive i.e doing nothing
👉 Experiencing emotional distress or being "stressed out"

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Heart disease symptoms differ from person to person. Many people with heart disease notice symptoms during physical exertion
👉Jaw pain
👉Back pain (typically left-sided)
Those who experience
 👉chest pain
👉shortness of breath
 have a chance to still survive. For others, unfortunately, sudden cardiac arrest and death are the first symptoms of heart disease they experience.

Other Symptoms of heart disease may also include:
√ Nausea
√ Lightheadedness, dizziness
√ Abdominal pain
√ Irregular heartbeat
√ Weakness (especially at rest)

SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN, ELDERLY AND DIABETIC PEOPLE:
Women, Seniors, and People with Diabetes?
Usually they do not experience pain as a symptom of heart disease but
👉 Fatigue √
👉 General feeling of malaise √

TESTS TO DETECT HEART DISEASE
👉 An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a quick, painless, noninvasive test that assesses the electrical behavior of the heart. An EKG is able to detect many heart conditions including:
√ Current heart attack
√ Past history of heart attack
√ Heart rhythm disturbances
√ Blood electrolyte abnormalities
√ Unstable angina
√ Congenital heart defects
√ Conditions involving cardiac inflammation (pericarditis and myocarditis)
👉 Stress Test
Remember we said most symptoms occur during physical exercison, The patient is hooked up to an EKG machine to detect the heart's activity before, during, and after the stress test. In case of weak patient, the doctor can administer medications that simulate the heart activity during exercise. The patient remains stationary.
👉 Nuclear imaging or ultrasound is also used to visualize the behavior of the heart.
👉 Echocardiogram
👉 A cardiac computerized tomography (CT) scan
👉Coronary Angiography

PREVENTION / MANAGEMENT
There is No Single Treatment Method for Heart Disease
Heart disease treatment differs from person to person.
Most heart disease patients are treated with a combination of the following:

👉 Using CPR during a heart attack i.e compressing the chest with the heels of both hands placed on each other until help arrives.
👉 Diet
√ Heart-healthy foods include fruits, and vegetables.
√ Cholesterol-lowering foods such as beans, soy, chickpeas, garlic, avocados, and olive oil are beneficial.
√ Boost levels of HDL "good" cholesterol by eating nuts. Walnuts, pecans, and almonds are good choices, but limit your serving to a small handful as nuts are high in calories.
√ It's a good idea to eat fish and seafood a few times a week to boost intake of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
√  Avoid sugary foods as they promote heart disease and other chronic conditions.
👉 Exercise for at least 30 minutes 3 to 5 days a week to optimize blood lipids (lowers "bad" LDL and raises "good" HDL cholesterol), lower blood pressure, and strengthen the heart muscle.
👉 If you have diabetes or high blood pressure (or both), control them. High blood pressure and high blood sugar are damaging to the heart.
👉 Regular check ups
👉 Lifestyle changes i.e quit smoking and alcohol


COMPLICATION OF HEART DISEASE
👉 Sudden Cardiac Death - A Fatal Consequence of Heart Disease

HLF🌴

Types of Viral Infections

What Is a Virus?

A microorganism that is smaller than a bacterium that cannot grow or reproduce apart from a living cell (host).
Viruses can affect many areas in the body, including the reproductive, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. They can also affect the liver, brain, and skin. Research reveals that that viruses are implicated in many cancers as well.

What Is a Viral Infection?

A viral infection is when there is a reproduction of a harmful virus inside the body. Viruses cannot reproduce without the assistance of a host. Viruses infect a host by introducing their genetic material into the cells and hijacking the cell’s internal machinery to make more virus particles.
Symptoms of the viral illness occur as a result of cell damage, tissue destruction, and the associated immune response.
Certain viruses -- like the ones that cause chickenpox and cold sores -- may be inactive or “latent” after the initial infection. For example, you may have a cold sore that erupts and then heals. The cold sore virus remains in your cells in a dormant state. At a later date, a trigger, such as stress, sunlight, or something else, may reactivate the virus and lead to new symptoms. The virus makes more copies of itself, releases new virus particles, and kills more host cells.

Viral infections are contagious for varying periods of time depending on the virus.

Bacteria vs. Virus
Viruses and bacteria are two types of potentially disease-causing (pathogenic) particles. Viruses are much smaller than bacteria and can’t reproduce without the assistance of a host. Bacteria are capable of reproducing on their own. The symptoms of viral and bacterial illnesses are sometimes similar. A doctor can determine the underlying cause of an illness based on the patient’s symptoms and other factors. Lab tests may help clarify whether an illness is due to a virus, bacteria, or other infectious agent or disease process.

Virus Transmission
Viruses can be transmitted in a variety of ways. Some viruses can spread through
√ touch
√ saliva
 √air.
 Other viruses can be transmitted through
 √ sexual contact
√ sharing contaminated needles
 √Insects including ticks and mosquitoes can act as "vectors," transmitting a virus from one host to another.
√ Contaminated food and water are other potential sources of viral infection.

TYPES
√Respiratory Viral Infections
Respiratory viral infections affect the lungs, nose, and throat. These viruses are most commonly spread by inhaling droplets containing virus particles. Examples include:
Rhinovirus is the virus that most often causes the common cold.
Seasonal influenza is an illness with symptoms more severe than cold symptoms and often include body aches and severe fatigue. The flu also tends to come on more suddenly than a cold.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is an infection that can cause both upper respiratory infections (like colds) and lower respiratory infections (like pneumonia and bronchiolitis). It can be very severe in infants, small children, and elderly adults.

Prevention
√Frequent hand-washing
√covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
√ avoiding contact with infected individuals
 √Disinfecting hard surfaces and not touching the eyes, nose, and mouth can help reduce transmission as well.

√Viral Skin Infections
Viral skin infections can range from mild to severe and often produce a rash. Examples of viral skin infections include:

*Molluscum contagiosum causes small, flesh-colored bumps most often in children ages 1 to 10 years old; however, people of any age can acquire the virus. The bumps usually disappear without treatment, usually in 6 to 12 months.

*Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is the common virus that causes cold sores. It’s transmitted through saliva by kissing or sharing food or drink with an infected individual. Sometimes, HSV-1 causes genital herpes.

*Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes itchy, oozing blisters, fatigue, and high fever characteristic of chickenpox. The chickenpox vaccine is 98% effective at preventing infection.

Prevention
The best way to avoid viral skin infections is to avoid skin-to-skin contact (especially areas that have a rash or sores) with an infected individual. Some viral skin infections, such as varicella-zoster virus, are also transmitted by an airborne route. Communal showers, swimming pools, and contaminated towels can also potentially harbor certain viruses.

√Foodborne Viral Infections
Viruses are one of the most common causes of food poisoning. The symptoms of these infections vary depending on the virus involved.

*Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver for a few weeks up to several months. Symptoms may include yellow skin, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Up to 15% of infected individuals experience recurrent illness within 6 months of infection.

*Norovirus has been reported to be responsible for outbreaks of severe gastrointestinal illness that happen on cruise ships

*Rotavirus causes severe, watery diarrhea that can lead to dehydration. Anyone can get rotavirus, but the illness occurs most often in babies and young children.

Rotaviruses and noroviruses are responsible for many (but not all) cases of viral gastroenteritis, which causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. People may use the terms “stomach virus” or “stomach flu” to refer to viral gastroenteritis, which causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

It’s not pleasant to think about it, but foodborne viral illnesses are transmitted via the fecal-oral route. This means that a person gets the virus by ingesting virus particles that were shed through the feces of an infected person. Someone with this type of virus who doesn’t wash their hands after using the restroom can transfer the virus to others by shaking hands, preparing food, or touching hard surfaces. Contaminated water is another potential source of infection.

√ Sexually Transmitted Viral Infections
Sexually transmitted viral infections spread through contact with bodily fluids. Some sexually transmitted infections can also be transmitted via the blood (blood-borne transmission).

*Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually-transmitted infection.
There are many different types of HPV. Some cause genital warts while others increase the risk of cervical cancer. Vaccination can protect against cancer-causing strains of HPV.

*Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation in the liver. It’s transmitted through contaminated blood and bodily fluids. Some people with the virus don’t have any symptoms while others feel like they have the flu. The hepatitis B vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing infection.

*Genital herpes is a common sexually-transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), the virus responsible for cold sores, can also sometimes cause genital herpes. There’s no cure for genital herpes. Painful sores often recur during outbreaks. Antiviral medications can be helpful.

*Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that affects certain types of T cells of the immune system. Progression of the infection decreases the body’s ability to fight disease and infection, leading to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV is transmitted by coming into contact with blood or bodily fluids of an infected person.
People can reduce the risk of getting a sexually-transmitted viral infection by abstaining from sex or only having sex while in a monogamous relationship with someone who does not have a sexually-transmitted infection. Using a condom decreases, but doesn’t entirely eliminate, the risk of acquiring a sexually-transmitted infection. Minimizing the number of sexual partners and avoiding intravenous drug use are other ways to reduce the risk of acquiring sexually-transmitted and bloodborne viral infections.

√ Other Viral Infections
Viruses are abundant in the world and cause many other infections ranging from mild to life-threatening.

*Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a type of herpes virus that’s associated with fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and an enlarged spleen. EBV is a very common virus that causes mononucleosis ("mono"). More than 90% of adults have been infected with this “kissing disease” that is spread primarily through saliva.

*West Nile virus (WNV) is a virus that’s most commonly transmitted by infected mosquitos. Most people (70% to 80%) with WNV don’t have any symptoms while others develop a fever, headache, and other symptoms. Less than 1% of people with WNV develop inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

*Viral meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord that causes headache, fever, stiff neck, and other symptoms. Many viruses can cause viral meningitis, but a group of viruses called enteroviruses are most often to blame.

Antiviral Medication and Other Treatment

*Many viral infections resolve on their own without treatment.

* Other times, treatment of viral infections focuses on symptom relief, not fighting the virus. For example, cold medicine helps alleviate the pain and congestion associated with the cold, but it doesn’t act directly on the cold virus.

*There are some medications that work directly on viruses. These are called antiviral medications. They work by inhibiting the production of virus particles. Some interfere with the production of viral DNA. Others prevent viruses from entering host cells.

*There are other ways in which these medications work. In general, antiviral medications are most effective when they’re taken early on in the course of an initial viral infection or a recurrent outbreak.

*Different kinds of antiviral medications may be used to treat chickenpox, shingles, herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and influenza.

Viruses and Cancer
Viruses insert themselves into host cell DNA in order to make more virus particles. Cancer is a disease that occurs as the result of mutations or alterations to DNA. Because viruses affect the DNA of host cells, viruses are known to contribute to several different types of cancer. Viruses known to increase the risk of cancer include:

*Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) for nasopharyngeal cancer, Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and stomach cancer
*Hepatitis B and hepatitis C for liver cancer
*Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for Kaposi sarcoma, invasive cervical cancer, lymphomas, and other cancers
*Human T-lymphotrophic virus-1 (HTLV-1) for T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL)
*Human papilloma virus (HPV) for cervical cancer
*Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) for a rare skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma

Viral Illness Prevention

Vaccines can reduce the risk of acquiring some viral illnesses. Vaccines are available to help protect against the flu, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, chickenpox, herpes zoster (shingles), cancer-causing strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), polio, rabies, rotavirus, and other viruses.

Vaccines vary in effectiveness and in the number of doses required to confer protection.

Some vaccines require booster shots to maintain immunity.

 HLF🌴

TOILET INFECTIONS & DISEASE

As the name implies, toilet diseases (infections) are diseases that are contracted through the toilet.

There are numerous types of diseases which can be contracted through a dirty (germ- infested) toilet, but these are the common ones…


1. ESCHERICHIA COLI (ECOLI)

Ecoli is about the most common toilet disease around today; hence, it’s coming ahead of the others. It is an intestinal infection (meaning that it is found in the intestine), and it is mostly contracted via the toilet seat. An infected person is likely to experience nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort (pain).

2. STAPHYLOCOCCUS

Like the Ecoli, staph is also contracted through contaminated surfaces like the toilet seat. It can stay alive for as much as 2 months. Infected persons are likely to experience boils and cellulitis (infected sores). Although, staph isn’t life threatening initially, it can lead to a more serious illness like pneumonia if left untreated for long.

3. NOROVIRUS

The norovirus is almost like the Ecoli, except, it takes more than a wash to get rid of it. So don’t even give it an opportunity to build in your toilet. It is also found mostly around the toilet seat. Symptoms are sudden nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

4. STREPTOCOCCUS

Once in a human, this bacterium is found in the throat, arranged in chains. It is also contracted mostly through the toilet seat and has the following symptoms; rashes on the skin, sore throat, swollen throat, fever, fatigue, stomach ache, etc.

5. GARDNERELLA

Also known as bacterial vaginasis, this infection is found in women. Its major symptoms include vaginal discharge (with less itching).

6. SHIGELLA BACTERIA

This kind of toilet disease is contracted when contact is made between an infected surface (door knobs, handles, toilet seats, etc) and a person. One can also be infected if they use contaminated water. Symptoms are diarrhoea, dysentery, abdominal pain, etc.

7. INFLUENZA (FLU)

This infection is caused by a virus, influenza. It is a disease that attacks the throat and lungs, mostly, and is contracted through contaminated toilet surfaces. Symptoms are cold, fever, sore throat, etc.


PREVENTION

1. Toilet diseases can be prevented by total cleanliness and carefulness.

2. Make sure you keep your toilet and everywhere around it clean always.

3. Wash your toilet thoroughly with a brush and detergent or other cleaning agents as regularly as possible (everyday).

4. Wash your hands with soap, thoroughly after you visit the toilet; as germs can be transferred from it to other areas of the house or your mouth even.

5. Always flush the toilet before sitting on it to avoid splashing contaminated liquid on yourself.

6. For women, make sure you change your underwear regularly.

7. Vaginal lotions also help protect women from harmful toilet infections.

8. Clean up your vagina with tissue paper after urinating.

9. If you cannot avoid public toilets, drop some tissue paper in the toilet to prevent water from splashing on you when you use them.

10. Avoid sharing underwear and towels.



All these infections are curable, so do not hesitate to visit your doctor for proper check up and treatment if you have any of the above symptoms, but remember, prevention is always the better alternative.

HLF🌴

HOW TO MAKE A TASTY-T (TOMATO TOAST BREAD)

How To Make A Delicious / Nutritious Tomato Bread

Ingredients For Making Tomato Bread

• 4 slices of Bread
• 2 ripe Tomatoes (each sliced into two)
• 1 Garlic clove (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoon of olive oil (optional)

Equipment Needed

• A Grill or Toaster
• A Knife

Instructions For Making Your Tomato Bread

• Preheat the grill, then toast the bread under a hot grill until you get lightly golden brown on both sides of the sliced bread.
• Now rub each slice of the bread with half a fresh juicy tomato. If you decide to use any of garlic and olive oil, sprinkle a little of each over the top.
• You can cut into smaller sizes, serve and eat immediately.

Some cannot eat fresh tomato as it is, so they put it back in the toaster or add all the ingredients in-between two slices of bread before heating in the toaster. 

This makes the tomato a bit cooked and tastier but remember that it is at the detriment of some nutrients.

TIPS & WARNINGS:

• Don’t use damaged tomatoes. They can land you in the hospital.
• You can add some blanched vegetables into the mix to make it more nutritious.

BENEFITS

* Tomatoes help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and also regulate the blood sugar level.
* Olive oil works as an anti ageing agent
* Garlic help improve sperm quality in men.

HLF🌴

BENEFITS OF EXERCISE

Exercise!
Would you take a magic pill that could allow you to eat more, ease stress, and boost your brainpower?

Exercise is something that can do all that, and more:

1. Exercise Boosts Brainpower
Numerous studies have shown exercise can boost memory and concentration. It increases serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain that can lead to improved focus and clarity. Other studies have shown that physical activity may reduce cognitive decline in older adults.

2. Melts Away Stress
Exercise reduces stress, and can help ward off depression and anxiety. Regular exercise can reduce stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.

3. Exercise Gives You Energy
Studies have shown people who exercise as little as 20 minutes per day, three days a week, have less fatigue and more energy overall. Exercise increases blood flow, which allows oxygen and nutrients to reach the cells, giving you energy for daily tasks.

4. It's Not That Hard to Find Time for Fitness
It's not necessary to spend an hour or more at the gym to get in your daily exercise. Short bursts of activity can be incorporated throughout the day. Take a walk on your lunch break, ride bikes with your kids, do jumping jacks for 10 minutes, or run up and down the stairs for five and a total of 60 minutes per day can help you lose weight and keep it off.

5. Fitness Can Help Build Relationships
Exercising can also help strengthen relationships. Spend time with your partner or friends walking or meeting for a tennis match, instead of going out to eat. Having support also helps you keep your fitness goals.

6. Exercise Helps Ward Off Disease
Exercise can also help prevent or slow the process of a number of diseases and health conditions, including:
heart disease
stroke
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
type 2 diabetes
arthritis
osteoporosis (bone loss)
loss of muscle mass


7. Fitness Pumps Up Your Heart
Exercise makes the heart and cardiovascular system stronger. Your heart will become more efficient, pumping more blood per beat so at rest your heart rate will be lower. Even a few days after beginning exercise the body starts to adapt, and breathing is easier, your body feels less fatigue, and pain and soreness will diminish.

8. Exercise Lets You Eat More
We've all heard muscle burns more calories than fat, so by having more muscle your resting metabolic rate will be higher. That means you can take in more calories and still maintain your weight. It's not a carte blanche to eat whatever you want, but you can enjoy your favorite sweets and chips in moderation when you exercise regularly.

9. Exercise Boosts Performance
Exercise will improve your performance in your athletic endeavors. Once you've been exercising regularly for several weeks your body will be more efficient and you will have more endurance. Your muscles will be stronger and more flexible, and your overall performance will be enhanced.

10. Weight Loss Is Not the Most Important Goal
Don't make weight loss your only goal when you start exercising. Certainly, exercise is a helpful component of a weight loss program but the health benefits of exercise – whether you lose weight or not – are important too. Whether the number on the scale goes down or not, remember your body is still reaping the benefits of exercise. You will be sharper mentally, less stressed, and more fit overall.

Exercise can help improve your health, your mind, your body, and your relationships. Hopefully these 10 fitness facts will inspire you to incorporate exercise into your daily routine!

Credit: Medicinenet

Thank you !
HLF🌴