You’ve heard the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but 21 minutes of exercise a day is an even better way to avoid overspending at the doctor’s office.
It’s no surprise that regular exercise is essential for good health, but a medical research study published in December 2022 shows another benefit of consistent exercise…less hospitalizations, primary care and emergency department visits.
Exercise helps you need less healthcare (and saves you money!).
The study, which included 23,721 patients and took place over a three-year period, showed that 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical exercise was associated with 34 fewer emergency department visits, 19 fewer inpatient admissions, and 38 fewer primary care visits compared to the inactive patient group.
What does this mean for you? Making a goal to have at least 20 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous exercise along can keep you out of the doctor’s office for unnecessary visits. You could also opt for 30 minutes of exercise, five days a week and get the same benefits.
Another way to avoid unnecessary emergency doctor visits is by establishing a relationship with a Primary Care Doctor at Primary Healthcare Utah. A PCP can help you stay active and manage issues including diabetes, asthma, hypertension, obesity, joint pain and other preventative care. The comprehensive care you receive from a Primary Care Physician will help you to stay active, healthy and living your best life. Call today to make an appointment with Primary Healthcare Utah at (801) 758-8735
What are good moderate to vigorous exercises?
Click here to get ideas for exercise that will help you stay fit.
Some simple ideas for moderate exercise include:
- Walking briskly (at least 4 mph)
- Riding a bike (10-12 mph)
- Doubles tennis
- PIckleball
- Badminton
- Heavy cleaning (mopping, vacuuming, washing windows)
Vigorous exercises include:
- Hiking
- Jogging (6 mph)
- Basketball game
- Soccer game
- Singles tennis
Call to schedule an appointment at Primary Healthcare today! (801) 758-8735
Key Takeaways
You don’t have to spend hours a day in the gym to stay healthy and avoid unnecessary doctor’s visits. By choosing to spend 30 minutes a day, five days a week doing an active exercise that you love, you’ll see not only physical benefits, you will also save money and time by avoiding doctor’s visits for hospitalizations, primary care appointments and emergency department visits.