Health Watch is a public service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

When it's swimsuit season, we often find more motivation to exercise and get in shape. But fitness isn't just about looks. It's also about health. This week on Health Watch, we'll talk about exercise and how it affects the way you look and feel.

How much exercise do you need? Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say it depends on what you want to get out of exercise. It's been recommended that you exercise for about half an hour, at least three times a week. Last year, though, new health guidelines called for even more activity — about an hour a day — in order to prevent illness and gain health benefits. Dr. Benjamin Levine, a UT Southwestern cardiologist, says you don't necessarily have to live up to those standards.

Next on Health Watch: Exercising to meet your goals and needs.

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July 2006

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