Spending just 10 minutes each day can potentially prevent the flu from becoming life-threatening.
Workout buffs and couch potatoes alike, listen up! Here's some groundbreaking news that might just make you hit the gym or take a brisk walk around the block.
If you're an elderly soul, you already know you're more susceptible to complications from a flu or pneumonia infection. Yikes! But fear not, research has shown that even a little exercise can significantly lower your risk of death from these nasty bugs.
In a study spanning over 20 years, researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas tracked the physical activity habits of nearly 600,000 adults in the US. Guess what? Getting as little as 10 minutes of cardio activity each week can slash the risk of dying from flu or pneumonia by a whopping 21%!
On the flip side, if you're one of those folks who skips exercise altogether, you're essentially playing a dangerous game. The study found that those who didn't exercise at all had no protection against flu and pneumonia-related deaths.
But for those who are fitness fanatics, there's still good news! Those who logged in 150-300 and 301-600 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) each week saw their risk of flu death drop by a stunning 41% and 50% respectively.
Now, you might be wondering, what counts as MVPA? Well, activity experts measure it in metabolic equivalents (METs). Sitting quietly equals 1 MET. Moderate-intensity activities range from 3 to 6 METs, and vigorous ones burn at least 6 METs. So, whether you're strolling briskly, cleaning your home like a pro, biking, or playing a game of soccer, it all counts!
Just remember, the key is to choose a level of exercise that suits you best and do it daily for a minimum of 10 minutes to lower your risk of flu and pneumonia-related deaths.
Editor's Note:
Fancy an easy way to boost your energy levels, shed a few pounds, aid digestion, and ward off illnesses? Try switching your body from acid to alkaline. You'll be on your way to ultimate vitality in no time
Workout enthusiasts and those who prefer lounging may find this intriguing. A recent study suggests that even minimal exercise can contribute to significant improvement in health-and-wellness, specifically lowering the risk of death from flu or pneumonia. Particularly for the elderly, engaging in as little as 10 minutes of cardio activity per week can reduce the risk by a substantial 21%. Interestingly, mental health benefits extend to exercise as well, with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) aiding in reducing the risk of flu death by up to 50% for those logging 301-600 minutes weekly. Aging individuals may further find solace in knowing that fostering an alkaline body, either through diet or exercise, can also enhance overall health and well-being, aiding in higher energy levels, weight loss, better digestion, and disease prevention.
