I see so many posts on Facebook regarding this subject. My take on the subject is complex. Speaking as an avid runner, an orthopedic surgeon, and a person who has had surgery due to a running injury, I have strong feelings on this subject.  I actually tell my patients if a doctor says to stop running go see someone else. There are numerous studies that you can find to convince yourself that running is bad for you or to convince yourself that it good for you.  The May issue of Runner’s World has an article that sites many benefits of running. See below

“Running three to seven miles per week reduces the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Running actually promotes joint and bone health. Those who ran 15.3 miles per week have a 40% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease mortality. Running lower kidneys and brain cancer risks, and also boost breast cancer survivor rates”

The fact is that as Americans we are dying because we are overweight, have poor diets, and don’t exercise enough. So if running is something you love to do, do it, get off the couch and run. Please get a physical prior to doing so, if you have not been participating in any  type of physical activity.

I always tell my friends that if one day I need a knee replacement.  I know plenty of orthopedic surgeons who can replace my knees. I would rather have a knee replacement than an amputation due to diabetes, heart bypass due to coronary artery, neurosurgery due to aneurysm because of uncontrolled hypertension. Life is short, then you die. Find what make you happy and literally run with it.  Let me leave you with some motivation to hit the pavement.

MOVE SOMETHING