Dr. Steven Reisman was an invited speaker at the F.B.I in Manhattan on June 30, 2010 to discuss heart attack prevention. As part of this lecture he discussed the advantages of exercise in the relationship to general health and in particular, in the prevention of cardiac disease. One of the references Dr. Reisman used was an article in the Wall Street Journal from January 5, 2010 entitled “The Hidden Benefits of Exercise”.
The Benefits of Moderate Exercise
The article described how moderate exercise can be extremely successful in the prevention of disease in general. This includes bolstering the body’s immune system, improving the body’s response to influenza vaccine, and making the individual less prone to viral infections. Dr. Reisman discussed the advantage of regular exercise including something as simple as a thirty to forty-five minute brisk walk daily five times a week which has been shown to have a positive effect. The article described how individuals who undergo this type of program can reduce the number of sick days up to 50% compared to sedentary subjects.
Inactivity and Its Risks
Inactivity can pose a significant risk to one’s health contributing to heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, depression, arthritis, and osteoporosis. In relation to heart disease, studies have shown that exercise can lower blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol, and decrease the incidence of diabetes.
Guidelines and Exercise Recommendations
There are guidelines developed by the Department of Health and Human Services. A survey conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine and American Medical Association found that only four out of ten doctors talk to their patients about the importance of exercise. Dr. Reisman, a Manhattan Cardiologist stated that at the New York Cardiac Diagnostic Center diet and exercise in the prevention of heart disease are important features of all patient interaction. Muscle strengthening activities two or more days a week are also suggested along with aerobic exercise.
Early Detection and Prevention
Early detection of high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and diabetes can be easily determined on a simple office visit with a basic blood test along with a basic history and physical examination.
New York Cardiac Diagnostic Center
42 Broadway, Suite 1530
New York, NY 10004
(212) 860-5404
