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News Release
For immediate release:
August 22, 2002
MENOPAUSE AND EXERCISE
The right exercise prescription protects health, fights disease risk
INDIANAPOLIS-Women approaching menopause often expect a variety of
symptoms, according to what their mothers, sisters or friends have
experienced, and the bewildering choice of antidotes can be frustrating,
confusing and even dangerous. Regular exercise is a safe and inexpensive
way to positively affect a women's physical and mental health during
this uncertain time.
In the August/September 2002 issue of ACSM's Health & Fitness
Journal®, Robyn Stuhr, who serves New York's Hospital for
Special Surgery as administrative director and exercise physiologist,
provides an overview of symptoms and physiological alterations of
menopause and how exercise can alleviate some of these symptoms and
conditions. Stuhr also offers an exercise prescription for this
population and compares hormone replacement therapy with exercise in
protecting health.
"Lifetime physical activity is important to all of us," said Stuhr. "And
the woman at midlife is less likely to develop cardiovascular disease,
osteoporosis, abdominal weight gain or joint stiffness if she exercises
regularly."
Between the ages of 48 and 55 (typically), women experience progressive
reductions in estrogen and progesterone production. Hot flashes, night
sweats, sleep disturbances and other symptoms accompany an increased
risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Stuhr points out that
studies have shown that women who are physically active have fewer and
milder symptoms than inactive women; she adds that exercise provides
valuable emotional stress relief, and improves self-perception of body
image.
Stuhr notes that in addition to providing protection from heart disease,
diabetes and hypertension, regular cardiovascular exercise stimulates an
increase in bone mineral density, which protects bone mass and can slow
the rate of loss that often accompanies menopause. Stuhr advises
strength training for muscle and bone health, including flexibility
training into the overall exercise training program.
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine
and exercise science organization in the world. More than 18,000
International, National and Regional members are dedicated to promoting
and integrating scientific research, education and practical
applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and
enhance physical performance, fitness, health and quality of life.
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NOTE: ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal® is a bimonthly
publication available through ACSM's Certification Resource Center. Call
1-800-486-5643. Also available through the ACSM Communications and
Public Information Department are brochures that address healthy
activities for the general population. Single copies are free with a
self-addressed stamped envelope. Send to ACSM at POB #1440
Indianapolis IN 46206. Visit ACSM online at www.acsm.org
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