Episode 12: Aerobic Exercise

Whether it's a Zumba class, kickboxing, or going outside for a jog, aerobic exercise has several health benefits, including reducing the risk of diabetes. If you’re middle-aged and overweight you can reduce your risk of diabetes by simply exercising. Patricia Kelikani Patricia Kelikani, Health Journalist (Co-host): Whether it’s a Zumba class, kickboxing, or going outside for a jog, aerobic exercise has several health benefits, including reducing the risk of diabetes. Dr. Mark Reeves, Surgical Oncologist (Co-host): Obesity affects one-third of the adult population in the United States and can lead to a host of health problems including diabetes type 2. Obesity affects one-third of the adult population in the United States and can lead to a host of health problems including type 2 diabetes. Dr. Mark Reeves KELIKANI: Dr. Hessinger and his colleagues studied a local running club during their 6-month long marathon-training program. What they found is in the untrained group of both males and females there was an increase in a protein called adiponectin. So there’s good news if you’re middle-aged and overweight you can reduce your risk of diabetes by simply exercising. Dr. David Hessinger, Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology: That pretty much agreed with what was already there in the literature. The difference for us was two-fold. One, we used middle-aged subjects, instead of college-aged, and, two, most of the studies in the literature were done with athletes. What we found is over the course of that six months, there was this progressive increase. KELIKANI: What are the tips for today? Incorporate aerobic exercise, like running, walking, or biking, at least 5 times a week for 30 minutes. Incorporate aerobic exercise, like running, walking or biking, at least five times a week for 30 minutes. Patricia Kelikani DR. REEVES: What we eat is important as well. KELIKANI: Make a conscious effort to limit rich desserts and fast foods. And go for a more balanced, natural diet with fiber. DR. HESSINGER: It makes you feel good, when you’re finished. It feels very good when you stop. It’s related to the endorphins that are produced, naturally, in response to the continued challenge you put on the body. I think walking, even, is a good exercise. It’s aerobic. Almost everybody can do that. DR. REEVES: There’s your tip for the day... KELIKANI: On how you can live healthier, longer.