Exercise can be a powerful prescription for good health. According to the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, about 50 per cent of so-called age-related losses of bone- and muscle-strength are not due to aging, per se, but to reduced physical activity. If that's not enough reason to get moving, here are a few conditions that could be prevented with exercise.

1. Anxiety
The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Institute states that a single exercise session could reduce symptoms of anxiety, for up to four hours. The activity must be continuous and rhythmical -- such as aerobic activity -- and it should be continued long enough to create mild to moderate physical stress. (This could be as little as one minute for people who have respiratory or heart problems.) For more information on anxiety, visit the Canadian Mental Health Association online.

2. Breast cancer
According to the Alberta Centre for Active Living, post-menopausal women who are physically active can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 30 to 40 per cent (as compared to inactive individuals.)

Visit The canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for more information on breast cancer.