In an editorial, Dr. Gurprit Lamba summarized the mental health benefits of walking and similar aerobic exercise. Recent research has shown that neurocognitive performance is enhanced in college students that use a treadmill or stationary bike regularly. Biochemicals that counteract anxiety and depression in the body are increased with exercise. Even patients with schizophrenia did better with exercise. Patients being treated with medications for major depression often do better with regular exercise, but they do have to be careful. If they forget even one or two doses, they are more likely to get immediate symptoms because their drugs are metabolized quicker.
See Family Practice News,(click here) January 2010, p. 9
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