Mercy Health Encourages Spring Exercise to Prevent Chronic Disease

As the weather warms up and spring approaches, it’s the perfect time to get active and start reaping the many benefits of physical exercise. Regular physical activity has long been recognized as a powerful tool in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
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“Exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent and manage chronic diseases,” says Dr. Rachel Regan with Mercy Health – Family Physicians of Springfield. “It not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also improves cardiovascular health, regulates blood sugar levels, and reduces inflammation, all of which are critical in preventing the onset of chronic conditions.”

Whether it’s a full-on workout routine or a daily dog walk, moving more can help strengthen the heart and improve circulation. That helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL), reducing the risk of heart disease. It also helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels, which is crucial to reducing the risk of hypertension and stroke. Exercise can help regulate blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity, too, making it essential in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes.

“Your physical health isn’t the only thing that can improve from incorporating more movement into your day. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood elevators, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression,” Dr. Regan.

With the arrival of spring, it’s a great time to take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle. If you're looking to begin or restart your fitness journey, now is the time to start incorporating physical activity into your routine. Just remember to take things one step at a time, rather than jumping in with both feet.

“If you’re new to exercise or getting back into it after a long break, begin with simple activities like walking or light stretching. Gradually increase the intensity and duration as your fitness level improves,” advises XX. “Trying to do too much too soon can lead to injury or burnout, which you don’t want. The key to success is making small, manageable changes and sticking with it.”

It's also important to find activities you like doing. You don’t want exercise to feel like a chore. Whether it’s walking, biking, swimming, or dancing, find activities that you enjoy to make staying active fun and sustainable.
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As the days get longer and temperatures rise, it’s an ideal time to embrace a new season of fitness that can help you feel your best and reduce your risk for chronic diseases that can affect your long-term health. But before starting any new exercise routine, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure the activities are safe and appropriate for your individual health needs. Just head to mercy.com for more information about primary care and walk-in care options that are available or to use our Find a Doctor tool to find a provider near you.

About Mercy Health - Springfield
Mercy Health – Springfield is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH) one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by nearly 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland. BSMH provides care for patients nearly 14 million times annually through its network of more than 1,200 care sites, which includes 50 hospitals. In 2024, BSMH provided more than $500 million dollars in community investments across five states, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to health care for our patients in need. Locally, Mercy Health – Springfield, which includes Springfield Regional Medical Center and Urbana Hospital, has a mission to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. Mercy Health – Springfield is a comprehensive, regional health care system, known for quality, innovation, compassionate service and a caring culture. With two hospitals and numerous physician offices and care locations, Mercy Health ensures easy access to safe, effective, timely and cost-efficient care for every stage of life through a network of hospitals, nursing homes and retirement communities as well as rehabilitation and outreach services. The mission of Bon Secours Mercy Health is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of its communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. Visit mercy.com for additional information.