The Health Benefits of Exercise
By Courtney Lucey, PA-C
“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
The Health Benefits of Exercise
By Courtney Lucey, PA-C
Frequently Asked Questions and other fun information!
FAQ
What is a virtual race?
Simply register online and grab your family or a small group to safely, run or walk the 1 mile, 5K or 5 mile course on your own time. You can hit the streets anytime from Sunday, October 4 through Sunday, October 18. After you complete the route, simply upload your time (if desired) and upload a selfie to our Facebook page.
Where do I run or walk?
The routes will be clearly marked starting at Bachelor Street Fields for the duration of the run--October 4-18.
How do I upload my results?
There are two ways, click here for more details.
Where do the proceeds go?
All funds raised go to the Dr. John C. Page Elementary School but this year those funds are even more important. With the added supplies, technology needs and PPE, we are looking to raise as much as we have in past years when we've run as a community.
Can I simply donate?
Absolutely! We appreciate any support. We won't tell if you just simply register and choose not to run. Or you can make a donation on our website. Your donation will be very much appreciated in any way, shape or form!
Do I get a tee shirt?
While we only guaranteed tee shirts for anyone who registered by September 22, we feel confident that we'll have enough for everyone. Tee shirt pick up for registered runners will take place on Saturday, October 3rd and Sunday, October 4th from 10-12 at the front of the Page School, 694 Main Street, in West Newbury. We request that you wear a mask for pick-up.
How do I register or donate?
Click above on those menu options!
Are there raffles this year?
Yes! As the event looks different, we won't have the same number of baskets this year but there are still some amazing baskets. Pictures of the baskets will be available on Facebook and our website soon. You'll find us selling raffle tickets at soccer, flag football and tee shirt pick up times. Or simply email us at info@appleharvestrun.org to purchase raffle tickets via Venmo.
Are the race shirts long sleeve or short sleeve?
This year the shirts are beautiful short sleeve t-shirts. Runners love them! As we get closer, we will post information about contact-less pick up locations for tee-shirts.
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.
Apple Harvest Run-VIRTUAL EVENT
OCTOBER 4-OCTOBER 18, 2020