YH March 2019 | Page 21

Answers by Shahnaz Husain Anti-pollution cosmetics help to provide protection and reduce the damage caused by environmental effects. These are basically “cover creams” that form a barrier between the skin and pollutants. Q Why is regular exercise important to a person’s health? Q What role can exercise play in a person’s fitness routine? A Exercise is certainly beneficial for good health, not only physically, but also mentally and even spiritually. Yoga, for instance, leads to meditation and knowledge of the inner self. Exercise supplies precious oxygen to every tissue and this, itself makes way for good health. Lack of physical activity means poor blood circulation and inadequate oxygen for the tissue cells. This can lead to lack of energy and vitality, chronic fatigue and lethargy. In fact, daily exercise helps us to stimulate the circulation and improves bodily functions and functions of the internal organs. Exercise helps to prevent many chronic illnesses, like heart ailments, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and diseases associated with it. In fact, it also helps in coping with mental stress. We live in a highly competitive world and stress has become a part of life, which actually leads to several ailments. Exercise helps us to stay healthy and free from such ailments. A It makes the body strong, supple and agile, strengthens and tones the muscles, increases stamina and energy levels, imparts vitality and generally promotes physical fitness. Exercise is a potent remedy for pre-mature aging, not only because it strengthens the body, but also keeps it looking trim and fit. Indeed, where the appearance is concerned, exercise can take years off and help in looking youthful for a longer time. Exercise helps in reducing weight and also maintaining the ideal weight. However, if you wish to take up an exercise programme, it is best to consult your doctor first. Stretching is of immense value in improving the figure. Stretching exercises can be done as part of “warming up” for your main exercise programme. You can start your day with a few stretching exercises even before getting out of bed in the morning. There are many physical activities one can choose from among walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, skipping and so on. An organized programme, under professional guidance can also have several benefits. These are usually programmed towards better functioning of the body, starting with light exercises and then progressing to more strenuous ones. This ensures that the body gets used to physical activity and there is no strain on any area. March 2019 www.yogicherald.com 19