At Roxburgh Park Medical Centre, we know how important it is to stay active at every stage of life. As the days grow warmer, many of us feel more motivated to get outside and move our bodies. Regular exercise not only helps reduce the risk of chronic health issues but also boosts mental well-being.
The importance of staying active
Statistics from 2022 highlight the need for more physical activity among Australians:
- 83% of adolescents aged 15–17 did not meet physical activity guidelines.
- 37% of adults aged 18–64 didn’t meet activity targets, with 73% not doing enough muscle-strengthening activities.
- 57% of adults over 65 fell short of recommended activity levels.
Physical inactivity contributes to a range of health issues, including:
- 20% of Type 2 diabetes disease burden.
- 16% of coronary heart disease burden.
- Significant risks for dementia, certain cancers, and more.
Access the official Physical Activity Guidelines for Australians to better understand how to integrate exercise into your routine.
Benefits of regular exercise
Exercising regularly has a host of physical and mental benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes.
- Improved sleep, energy, and concentration.
- Better mental health, with reduced anxiety and depression symptoms.
Incorporating activities such as walking, cycling, or yoga into your routine can be simple and cost-effective. Even everyday actions like taking the stairs or gardening can make a big difference.
How exercise helps chronic conditions
Exercise is essential in managing chronic illnesses. For example:
- Arthritis: strengthens muscles around joints and reduces stiffness.
- Back Pain: core-strengthening exercises alleviate symptoms.
- Diabetes: helps lower blood sugar levels and boosts energy.
- Dementia: improves thinking skills and reduces risk.
- Heart Disease: supports heart health and lowers disease progression risks.
- Osteoporosis: weight-bearing exercises help build strong bones.
At Roxburgh Park Medical Centre, our range of services includes Physiotherapy in Melbourne, Osteopathy in Melbourne, and Podiatry Services in Melbourne to support you on your health journey.
Get outside, even on hot days
Warmer weather offers the chance to exercise outside and enjoy sunlight exposure, which boosts vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is crucial for bone health, muscle function, and energy levels. However, be mindful of UV exposure—use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
If you’re looking to maintain your overall health, our Vision Clinic provides comprehensive care, including Eye Tests in Craigieburn, Epping, and Gladstone Park. Regular check-ups are vital to maintaining good eye health, especially as part of an active lifestyle.
Comprehensive healthcare services
We are here to support all aspects of your health. Our offerings include:
- Bulk Billing CT Scans and X-ray Services in Roxburgh Park.
- Ultrasound and Gender Scans.
- Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Services.
- NDIS Provider Melbourne for home nursing and allied health support.
Whether you’re managing chronic conditions or need guidance on how to stay active, Roxburgh Park Medical Centre is here to help.
References
Physical activity – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise-and-chronic-disease
Miller, K. R., McClave, S. A., Jampolis, M. B., Hurt, R. T., Krueger, K., Landes, S., & Collier, B. (2016). The health benefits of exercise and physical activity. Current Nutrition Reports, 5, 204-212.
Ruegsegger, G. N., & Booth, F. W. (2018). Health benefits of exercise. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 8(7), a029694.
