The Health Benefits of Exercise
By Courtney Lucey, PA-C
Frequently Asked Questions and other fun information!
Apple Harvest Run
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2019
The Health Benefits of Exercise
By Courtney Lucey, PA-C
What to do in town on Apple Harvest Run Weekend!
What do you get when you put together great food, fun kids’ activities, and beautiful fall weather? The 30th Annual West Newbury Apple Harvest Road Race on October 6th! With options for every type of runner, the Apple Harvest Race has 1-mile Fun Run, 5k, and 5 mile runs. With so much to see and do on the Northshore, pack a bag and make a weekend of it! West Newbury has many scenic trails where you can immerse yourself in fall foliage. Charming downtown Newburyport, with stores and restaurants galore, is less than 15 minutes away. Early October is a wonderful time to stroll on one of the area’s many beaches, such as Plum Island beach, or learn about local wildlife at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. When you’re done sightseeing and shopping, you’ll have a hard time choosing from local drinking and dining options. You can visit local breweries and wineries like Riverwalk Brewing Company, Newburyport Brewing Company, and Mill River Winery. Then swing by Lexie’s for their famous burgers and milkshakes, or try Loretta’s for upscale American fine dining. In the heart of downtown Newburyport, the Essex Street Inn welcomes overnight guests with charming guest rooms and free breakfast. After a day exploring the area, you’ll be ready to join in the fun in one of the area’s most picturesque races!
“What type of exercise do you do and how frequently?” is a common question I ask many of my patients when I see them at their annual physicals or if they come to me with depression or anxiety concerns. There are quite a few benefits to regular physical activity including:
- Decrease in overall mortality
- Reduction of cardiovascular disease including heart attacks, strokes, and improvements to blood pressure
- Protection against certain types of cancers including breast, prostate, intestinal, bladder, and lung
- For patients with Diabetes, improved blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity
- Psychologically, regular exercise decreases occurrence of depression, improves sleep and reduces stress and anxiety
- In order to reduce some of the risks that can come with certain types of physical activity, proper training is required. Some risks of physical activity include-
- Musculoskeletal injuries which can occur more frequently in those that do not participate in regular physical activity
- Myocardial infarction (MI) can happen during strenuous exercise, but is less likely to occur if an individual participates in regular physical activity
- Bronchoconstriction (ie. constriction of the airways in your lungs) may occur especially in those with symptomatic asthma. However, regular exercise can help prevent the occurrence of airway constriction
- Dehydration which can happen during times of warmer weather and loss of fluids through sweat and not drinking the proper amount of fluids to replete what one has lost
Overall, a sedentary lifestyle has been associated with poor health benefits while a regular exercise routine has been found to improve several aspects of one’s health physically and emotionally.
Reference- Benefits and Risks of Aerobic Exercise, Douglas M. Peterson, MD (Up-to-Date); July 2019
FAQ
Can I run with my child in the fun run?
Yes. We encourage parents to register for the fun run with your child, but it is not a requirement and you are welcome on the course with your young ones.
Can I run with a jogging stroller?
Yes. However, we ask that all strollers start at the very back of the crowd per USATF guidelines.
Can I run with my dog?
NO. Dogs are NOT allowed on the course per USATF sanction rules unless they are a certified Seeing Eye dog assisting a legally blind runner. Please contact us if you are physically impaired and require the assistance of a dog, we are happy to accommodate you.
Are the race shirts long sleeve or short sleeve?
This year the shirts are beautiful short sleeve t-shirts. Runners love them!
Can I get a refund?
Sorry no refunds. This is a fundraiser for the West Newbury PTO.
Can I change categories?
Changes to categories may be made up until three days prior to race day, and are subject to the fee difference for the category. No refunds are provided for changing race category to the fun run registration fee.
When and where can I pick up my race packet?
All pre-registered runners may pick up their race packet and bib number on race day or the night before at the pasta dinner.