From a forthcoming health study:
Subsidizing exercise and fitness-related lifestyles in middle age could significantly reduce the ballooning cost of health care in later years, a new study of more than 20,000 people suggests.
Running has certainly done wonders for my blood lipid profile and the like. I had not-so-good cholesterol level and blood pressure during my early 30s (hmm, when I was a law firm associate -- coincidence?), but I had better numbers across the board at my check-up last year than at any other time in my life.
I especially like this part of the news report:
Exercise affects "so many chronic conditions leading to major health care costs," said [Dr. Suzanne] Steinbaum, who also is the hospital's director of women and heart disease. "We should have financial support for people to go to gym facilities."
People who are more fit should "get some benefit" from insurers, Steinbaum said. Society should "give them the ability to become fit," and then "give people a reward when they demonstrate" fitness, she added.
Well, I certainly won't complain if my health insurance plan is going to help pay for my running gear, gym membership, race entry fees, and the like! Come to think of it, I'd like a stationary rowing machine for the home, too.
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