Articles from prior issues of The Advocate

January/February, 1996

Maximum Fitness Is Enhanced By Physical Rehab Approach
by Dave Ramel, Missouri, DDS

ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26TH MR. ROBERT Cumler, owner of the Run for Your Life Physical Fitness Center, gave a presentation on physical fitness and physical fitness in the rehabilitation process. Mr. Cumler stated in his presentation that his father was the first individual in the United States to start a Cardiac Rehabilitation center, that event occurring in 1952 in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Cumler stated in his presentation that it is important to remember it is never too late to begin an exercise and fitness program. The benefits of a fitness program are similar for those who are in rehabilitation and for those who are not. Mr. Cumler states the negatives of a sedentary life style are loss of flexibility, loss of conditioning, increased weight, increased cholesterol levels, and decreased oxygen uptake levels. Mr. Cumler warned that many of the weight reducing programs that are now popular throughout the country that do not include exercise will result in a direct loss of muscle strength along with the loss of weight. Therefore, in his opinion it is extremely important to be in a vigorous exercise program in any weight reduction effort so that muscle strength can be maintained or strengthened while at the same time losing body weight. Mr. Cumler discussed the importance of oxygen uptake capacity, and it’s very important role in rehabilitation and general well-being. Mr. Cumler recommended an exercise program of 45 to 60 minutes at least 4 to 5 times a week to obtain maximum health benefits and speed up the physical rehabilitation process. By exercising at least 45 minutes 4 to 5 days a week an individual will increase their capacity for oxygen uptake increasing oxygen blood levels, increase HDL levels, increase vessel flexibility, and increase anticoagulation levels in the blood. Mr. Cumler, on numerous occasions, repeated the critical importance of increased blood flow in the rehabilitation process, thereby underscoring the need for a physical fitness program for the rehabilitation patient. Mr.Cumler briefly went over high risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including elevated blood pressures, smoking, diet, sedentary life style, stress, and heredity. In looking at the risk factors for heart disease, all but heredity can be controlled by the individual’s choice of life styles. Mr. Cumler indicated the American life style has now replaced infectious diseases as the number one cause of illness and death in the United States. Mr. Cumler concluded his presentation by encouraging everyone to actively participate in a vigorous physical fitness program for the purpose of rehabilitation and/or general well-being.