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Get Fit, Stay HappyBy Editorial Staff Depression is a significant health issue for several different reasons. First is the impact the symptoms have on people's lives: low mood, low self-esteem, and loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. Evidence also suggests that more than half of all people who commit suicide suffer from some form of short-term or permanent depression. And let's not forget that the primary treatment option for depression is anti-depressant medication, which some claim is widely overprescribed and is associated with mild to severe side effects, the worst being – you guessed it – and increased risk of suicidal thoughts. Now here's some good news: A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry suggests physical activity, particularly early in life, may help reduce the risk of depression later.
Physical activity has also been associated with a reduced risk of depression in general because exercise encourages the production / release of endorphins, the body's "feel good" chemicals, while reducing production of cortisol and other "stress" hormones. So remember, it's never too early – or too late – to start exercising. Your body and mind will thank you for it. Page printed from: http://www.toyourhealth.com/mpacms/tyh/article.php?id=1786&no_paginate=true&no_b=true |