by Christiane Northrup.M.D.
Just in case you need a little extra incentive to get out and exercise, I want to tell you about a study done by Dr. Paula Harvey and her associates at Toronto Western Hospital in Toronto, Canada. This study showed that a single bout of exercise in postmenopausal women improved blood vessel function and increased circulation for many hours following the exercise session. Exercise actually stimulated the lining of blood vessels (known as the endothelium) to produce more of a naturally occurring chemical called nitric oxide, which naturally dilates blood vessels. (Viagra works because it does the same thing—but in a distinctly unnatural way.) This was one of the first studies to show how effectively exercise changes blood vessel dynamics for the better. And I, for one, found it very motivating and inspiring.
Given that heart disease is the number one killer of women, and the fact that a little walking can help prevent it--and also greatly increase your quality of life--why not make this the spring when you get out there and give your circulation and your heart the medicine it deserves? I suggest that you use the spring fever that strikes at this time of year to do some spring cleaning--in your own arteries, veins, and muscles. Get outside and get started with some healthy movement!
Like the spring, enjoy your newfound energy and look to the future with anticipation.
Warmly,
Christiane Northrup, M.D.
REFERENCES
1. Harvey, P., et. al., 2005. Exercise as an alternative to oral estrogen for the amelioration of endothelial dysfunction in postmenopausal women, American Heart Journal, 149(2):291-297.
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