The value of adding exercise to therapy

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Adding exercise to therapy may make it more effective By Jamie Ducharme Health Correspondent Over the years, countless studies have shown that exercise is good for your mental health. And yet, most therapy appointments are sedentary, with patients either seated or lying down on the stereotypical couch. I wondered if any researchers or clinicians were trying to change that—and it turns out that they are. I spoke with clinicians from a mental-health practice in Illinois that combines therapy with everything from long walks to basketball to ping pong, as well as researchers who have found that this type of active approach can boost clients’ mental health more than treatment alone. Starting an exercise program can be extremely difficult for someone already struggling with mental-health issues. But, the researchers told me, it doesn’t need to be intense. Almost any amount and type of exercise can enhance the benefits of standard mental-health treatment, whether it’s delivered during a therapy appointment or afterward. READ MORE   Share the story

What else to read Bruce Willis Has Frontotemporal Dementia. Here’s What It Is By Alice Park The condition is a rare form of dementia. Read More » Biden’s Physical Says He’s ‘Healthy’ and ‘Vigorous,’ But ‘Gait Remains Stiff’ By Brian Bennett Biden's physician gave him a clean bill of health, but noted he continues to have stiffness in his walk, arthritis in his back, and neuropathy in his feet. Read More » The Mysteries and Underdiagnosis of SIBO By Meaghan Beatley Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth can cause symptoms such as bloating and stomach pain. Read More » Here's Why You Always Feel Sicker at Night By Markham Heid You're not imagining it. (Originally published in 2019.) Read More » Why Skiing Is a Ridiculously Good Workout By Markham Heid Skiing—whether alpine or cross-country skiing—offers a unique combination of health benefits. (Originally published in 2018.) Read More »

ONE LAST READ Will warmer temperatures actually save some lives? Climate change isn’t just about temperatures rising; indeed, in some parts of the world, temperatures will actually fall. Harry Stevens of the Washington Post’s Climate Lab put together an interactive that explains how future temperatures—both hot and cold—will impact human health and mortality in different places around the planet. Read More »

A quick programming note: The Health Matters newsletter will be off on Monday Feb. 20 in observance of Presidents' Day. If you were forwarded this and want to sign up to receive it daily, click here. Today's newsletter was written by Jamie Ducharme and Elijah Wolfson and edited by Angela Haupt.

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