Exercise & Depression, 4

In a TV interview, the former first lady basically said that a sedentary lifestyle is killing Americans. Unfortunately, sedentary lifestyles are becoming even more common throughout the world. Rates of depression appear to be growing, as well. The results of this survey are particularly pertinent because they reveal that even small lifestyle changes can reap significant mental health benefits. Dr. Harvey, lead researcher, says they are still trying to determine the reason that exercise appears to have this protective effect. It may be due to the combined impact of the various physical and social benefits of physical activity. Harvey says he believes there is great potential to integrate exercise into individual mental health plans and broader public health campaigns. “If we can find ways to increase the population’s level of physical activity even by a small amount, then this is likely to bring substantial physical and mental health benefits.”