Our bodies are created with a frame containing muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons which are built for movement. Humans have been self propelled since, well since, we have been humans. Before there were cars, trains, planes, and all-day bus passes, our legs transported us just fine. Simply put, it is in our genes, our very nature, to move, walk, run, dance, swim, etc.
With the new age of technology people have become more sedentary and we don't move as much as we use to. As we move less, chronic disease is becoming a more prominent part of society.
Each year there are numerous studies that show that consistent movement, or exercise, increases mind and body health. I have yet to find studies that attribute the same benefits to sitting on the couch (smile).
The Mayo Clinic has documented 7 reasons why exercise is beneficial, (movement is beneficial). It improves mood, manages chronic disease and weight, strengthens your heart and lungs,and promotes a better sleep and sex life. I stress movement and not exercise because I believe that each person needs to find the best activities that get their body moving.
Movement is another foundation of health that I recommend to all of my patients. I use the term movement instead of exercise because the term exercise can intimate some people. Movement on the other hand can mean anyway you enjoy moving your body. It can mean taking a walk around the block, salsa dancing, rock climbing, going to the gym, what ever you like.
I want people to get started moving. Once you are in the flow I do recommend using a combination of movements to support your body's different requirements for movement. It is important to have a combination of cardiovascular exercise, like aerobics or treadmill, and weight bearing exercises, like lifting weight or resistance training as part of your regiment. I consider movement the 2nd pillar of health.
2nd Pillar of Health - Movement
This example comes from my personal experience.
When I first started my practice in my early thirties I was operating out of my home. I was so busy getting the practice up and running that I could spend 12 hours a day without going outside or exercising for days at a time.
After several months my body was very tense and I was mentally stressed. I was happy seeing patients but was not getting the social interaction I was use when I worked in an office environment. A good friend was working out of her home and feeling the same way. We decided to wake up 1 hour earlier 4 days a week and go for an hour walk together to get moving. We did this until she moved out to another state.
This was one of the best experiences I had during that time.
After the first 2 weeks I had more energy for my day. Creating movement in my day allowed me to get out of the house, clear my head, spend time with a dear friend, and helped me feel more fit and healthy. I was more at ease and I could concentrate and focus on my tasks for the day and my patient's needs. Internally I was happier. Movement proved to be the push I needed to get balance back into my life. The key was finding a type of movement that fit my life; in my case it was walking outside with a friend.
BIO:
Dr. Daemon Jones completed her undergraduate education in economics at Northwestern University (graduated 1992). She completed her naturopathic medical training at University of Bridgeport’s College of Naturopathic Medicine (2002). Dr. Jones founded Healthydaes Naturopathic Medical Center in Silver Spring, MD (2003. As a naturopathic physician, Dr. Jones is turning her life’s passion – the pursuit of vibrant health – into her life’s mission for others. She uses private consultations, cooking demonstrations, lectures and workshops as a hands-on way to help people enjoy learning about improving their health. She is a faculty member of Smith Farms Center for Healing and the Arts and Food As Medicine Professional Training program. Dr. Jones is the author of Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Health published in 2007.
Visit Dr. Jones at her website:
www.healthydaes.org
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