Physical Fitness in Youth Curbs Suicide Risk in Later Life

Physical Fitness in Youth Curbs Suicide Risk in Later Life

Physical fitness in youth significantly reduces suicide risk in later life, new research suggests.

A large, population-based study showed that low cardiovascular fitness in early adulthood was associated with a 2-fold increased risk for suicidal behavior through up to 42 years of follow-up.

“Findings from our study highlight a factor that is previously little studied in terms of resilience to suicidal behavior. The fact that the strength of the relationship was hardly attenuated by serious depression tells us that the link cannot be explained by depression alone,” study investigator Margda Waern, MD, PhD, from Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, told Medscape Medical News.

Dr. Lane’s take on this:  this study adds more support to the body of evidence which says exercise has a positive impact on mental health. We know people who begin exercising at a young age are more likely to continue to exercise into adulthood and throughout their lifetime. 

I think one of the biggest, far-reaching implications of this study is the potential to use these findings to advocate for more physical activity and exercise programs in youth.

This study has nothing to do with superior performance at a sport or even triumph at a competition but just an appreciation of physical capability and enjoyment of athletic performance.  We are born with a body and just enjoying it through sports can have a lifelong impact and may curb the depressive episodes that any person can have and stop them before they lead to suicide.

via Blogger http://chiropractic-lane.blogspot.com/2013/07/physical-fitness-in-youth-curbs-suicide.html