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In this study, I investigate the affects that running has on reducing the risk of some health

problems. I am doing this because I run about 40 to 60 miles per week, and my family has a

history of health problems. For instance, my grandfather suffered a heart attack, and he also had

cancer when he was about the age of 50. Furthermore, my grandfather, on my dad’s side of the

family, has also had triple bi-pass heart surgery from a heart attack he has had recently.

Here, I present information from some sources that talk about the affects that running

has on reducing health risks. My sources agree that running, and some other aerobic exercises,

reduce the risk of: Diabetes, diverticular disease, heart decease, several types of cancer, and

even common sicknesses like a cold.

One source agrees that running reduces the risk of diabetes. Jim Harmon writes, in

Sports Illustrated, about Bruce Leonard, a marathoner with a masters degree in public health.

Bruce Leonard went to study the Zuni Indian tribe. This tribe has had a bad history of diabetes

until they started to run. Leonard said, After the Zuni tribe started running, “many Zuni were able

to reduce or eliminate their diabetes medication.”(5)

My research also reveled that diverticular disease can be reduced in men that run. For

instance, Marty Munson and Teresa Yeykal writes in the article “Outrun trouble” which says, “guys

who racked up the most ours doing vigorous exercise reduced their risks of diverticular decease

by a third.”(38) They also say “it’s good advice to make your lifestyle to consume high fiber.”(38)

I found that running can also reduce the risk of heart disease. The article “Run for your life” talks
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