English Lessons

When's the last time you changed the channel without using the remote? Walked to the store for milk instead of driving? Took the stairs instead of the elevator, or parked at the far end of the parking lot instead of circling around for five minutes looking for a closer space? If you're like most people, it's been awhile. Desk jobs, television addiction, and convenience devices like remote controls and riding lawn mowers, coupled with our fixation on cars, have created a sedentary nation, with more than 6 out of 10 adults either inactive or under-active. It is a small wonder that this country is in the midst of an obesity-epidemic.

What does this have to do with your heart? Everything. Moderate exercise alone isn't going to lower your cholesterol significantly, but it will help you avoid a heart attack -- most likely the reason you wanted to lower your cholesterol in the first place. Exercise is a virtual panacea for the cardiovascular system, lowering blood pressure, reducing resting heart rate (so your heart doesn't have to work so hard to pump blood), making the blood less likely to form dangerous clots.

A Duke University Medical Center study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed for the first time that exercise, by itself, has beneficial effects on cholesterol, even without any accompanying weight loss. In the study the participants did the caloric equivalent of walking briskly or jogging 12 or 20 miles a week, exercising either vigorously or moderately. In terms of cholesterol benefits, the intensity made no difference; what was important was the amount of exercise.

You simply cannot achieve a healthier heart without exercising because exercise is so vital to the overall health of your heart and blood vessels. It also facilitates weight loss. Even if you don't lose weight, physical activity can still help you live longer.

What does it mean?

1. it's been awhile
2. a sedentary nation
3. It is small wonder that this country is in the midst of an obesity epidemic.
4. Exercise is a virtual panacea for the cardiovascular system
5. Exercise, by itself, has beneficial effects on cholesterol, even without any accompanying weight loss.

What do you think?

1. How would you describe your present physical condition? Is it excellent, good or poor?
2. What do you think are the bad effects of a lazy lifestyle to our body?
3. How many hours of walking do you do everyday? Do you think walking is a good form of exercise?
4. Which do you prefer to exercise — in a health club or at home? Why?
5. How would you describe the present condition of Koreans? Are they getting healthier or lazier when it comes to exercise or walking?

PHOTO CREDIT: www.femalefirst.co.uk/health4322004.htm

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