Exercise is MedicineUniversity of Saskatchewan

November 20, 2014Patrick Ling, MD, MPH

Clinical Associate ProfessorAcademic Family Medicine

Why Exercise?

The Benefits of Exercise in ...● constipation● fibromyalgia● Osteoarthritis● lupus● depression● IBS – irritable bowel syndrome● insomnia● chronic fatigue● slows aging ● boost testosterone● preserves cognitive function● dysmenorrhea● fewer colds● cancer prevention?

panacea?

Exercise & Epigenetics● understanding the science and genetics

behind exercise● exercise modifies our genetics (DNA,

mRNA)o DNA methylation, histone acetylation

● leads to changes in glucose, lipid metabolism

Exercise slows aging

Keystone Habit

Exercise as a Keystone Habit● smoke less● eat better● more productive at work● less stress● use credit cards less

EIM - prescription card

Stages of Change

Exercise Duration - Fractionized● short sessions (10 min x 3) have a

greater benefit and longer (30 mins) in HTN

Tools

‘Keep Fit and Have Fun’