Medical News Today highlighted a recent Centers for Disease Control report showing that “in 2010, about one in three adults (32.4 percent) who had seen a doctor or health professional in the past year had been advised to take up or continue exercise or physical activity. This is more than 40 percent increase since 2000, when the figure was less than one in four (22.6 percent) adults.”
The current situation is still alarming, as noted by researcher and writer Matt McMillen, who writes, “Exercise lowers the risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression.
“Yet, according to government estimates, only three in 10 U.S. adults get the recommended amount of exercise each week.”
According local physician Dr. Mindy Miller, “The proposed Montrose Community Recreation Center can play a key role in improving the health, well-being, and longevity of Montrose area residents. “It will provide opportunities for physical exercise that are currently limited or nonexistent in our community.”
For one example, Miller noted the benefit to senior citizens and others for whom swimming and aquatic exercise are preferred or needed because of limitations stemming from arthritis, decreased bone density, pain, or other factors. “The proposed rec. center has a warm water leisure pool that is just the right temperature for activities like water aerobics and water walking, and a cool water lap pool that is just right for more vigorous swimming activity.”
Some conditions can make it uncomfortable or painful to exercise on a hard or even a padded surface, or while standing; water provides a gentler exercise environment.
Additionally, according to physicians Andrew Cole, MD, and Bruce Becker, MD, in an article on spine health and pain relief, water therapy is “frequently recommended as one form of exercise
therapy to treat those with diabetes as well as individuals with high blood pressure. Both conditions can improve and become more manageable with aquatic exercise.”
Furthermore, an article in the American Journal of Cardiology reported that “swimming can improve older adults' blood vessel function and curb their blood pressure.”
The Community Recreation Center provides a myriad of other exercise opportunities including a indoor walk/jog track, multi-purpose gymnasium, climbing wall, racquetball courts, fitness room and a dance studio.
“Any of these could be a catalyst to more Montrose area residents starting or enhancing an exercise program,” said Barbara Bynum, co-organizer of the Friends of the Montrose Community Recreation Center. “Voters, particularly seniors, should consider this as a community health care issue.”
Bynum cited a report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that stated: “Lack of physical activity is an important contributor to many of the most important chronic diseases for older Americans, including heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure. Lack of physical activity, along with poor nutrition, is a major contributor to the growing epidemic of obesity in the United States. In one study, 14 percent of all deaths in the United States were attributed to insufficient activity and inadequate nutrition.”
“By voting for the Montrose Community Recreation Center we’ll be voting for better health and longevity for many residents and a healthier community. As an investment, keep in mind the adage that ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ Please join us in voting ‘Yes’ on A
by Tuesday, April 3.”
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