FORT MYERS (CONSUMER REPORTS) Before you reach for a pill to help fix your ailments, it might be better to reach for your gym gear.
Research shows that for some conditions, exercise may be as effective as drugs and surgery with fewer side effects.
A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found nearly one in 10 participants were able to give up diabetes medication altogether after two years on a program that included exercise and dietary changes. So why don’t doctors prescribe it more often? Consumer Reports has advice on how to get the disease-fighting benefits of exercise:
- For chronic lower back pain: Try using non-drug therapies, including exercise, before taking a pill.
- For arthritis: Weight training can build muscle strength, thereby reducing pressure on joints and improving stability. But it’s important to learn how to use weights correctly from a certified trainer or physical therapist to avoid worsening joint pain.
- For diabetes: Strength training is highly recommended, as the more muscle you have, the less likely you are to store extra glucose as fat.
