Bring the patients back for re-evaluations. The most important things people can do to improve health are to lose weight, exercise regularly, improve diet and quit smoking. The most important of those is losing weight, and the best way to do that is to exercise. Study after study has shown that overweight people who drop pounds also reduce their risk of heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes and certain cancers, he said. A study conducted at Cooper's institute by University of South Carolina graduate Dr. Steve Blair in the early 1990s found that the benefits of exercise take effect quickly.
Moderate exercise prompts tremendous reductions in health problems.
The benefits increase only slightly when the level of exercise increases to extreme. Cooper also sings the praises of modern medical equipment, vitamin supplements and old-fashioned fruits and vegetables. A new-generation CAT scan can spot certain cancers and plaque buildup in heart valves much earlier. Vitamin supplements and vegetables can help reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol. Combine exercise, diet and technology, and miraculous changes can happen.