Exercise Is the Best Medicine

Medicine and medical procedures shouldn’t always be the first course of action in treating or preventing pain, injury or disease. Try exercise. That was the message conveyed by Jordan Metzl, MD, who spoke at the Rye YMCA on the snowy evening of December 17.

By Georgetta L. Morque

Medicine and medical procedures shouldn’t always be the first course of action in treating or preventing pain, injury or disease. Try exercise. That was the message conveyed by Jordan Metzl, MD, who spoke at the Rye YMCA on the snowy evening of December 17.

Dr. Metzl, the well-known sports medicine physician from New York City’s Hospital for Special Surgery, makes a strong case for exercise in his new book, “The Exercise Cure: A Doctor’s All-Natural, No-Pill Prescription for Better Health & Longer Life.” An 11-time Ironman triathlete and a 30-time marathoner, Dr. Metzl clearly lives what he preaches. He is also the author of “The Athlete’s Book of Home Remedies.”

Prior to speaking at the Rye Y, Dr. Metzl appeared that morning on the “Today” show, which followed an interview the previous week on NPR. Soon after, the new book sold out on Amazon and another print order was required.

Dr. Metzl put forth some staggering facts such as the more than $2.6 trillion the United States spends on health care yet our country ranks 28 in the world for life expectancy. “I strongly believe we are a medication first, procedure first society,” said Dr. Metzl, who strives to teach people how to use exercise as medicine. “I want you to be educated consumers.”

It’s not that surgery and medicine shouldn’t be considered – they can be lifesaving, he pointed out. In the book, he writes: “A medical problem sometimes requires several methods of treatment. But exercise, in some instances, can gradually reduce the number of methods necessary until the only treatment is exercise.” He also noted that nine out of ten musculoskeletal problems don’t need surgery and all medicines have side effects.

The book covers a wide range of health problems, from sleep issues to back pain to cancer and includes an explanation of the symptoms, a solution through exercise and when to call the doctor. A good portion of the book is a comprehensive series of workouts for different levels plus additional advice on foam rolling — which he strongly advocates, diet and more. Dr. Metzl bases his case on scientific research and includes studies and compelling findings.

Following his talk, Dr. Metzl led the Y group in several exercises, including a dynamic warm up, squats and planks, illustrating the importance of functional strength training to prevent injury, which often runners neglect. These are included in the book and also in the Iron Strength class he teaches in the city.

So, for a healthy and happy New Year and life, follow this doctor’s orders and get moving. The minimum dose is 30 minutes, five times a week.