Compiling your medical family tree

Your family medical history, sometimes called a medical family tree, is a record of illnesses and medical conditions affecting your family members. Here's why a family medical history comes in handy — and how to create a family medical history of your own.

How is a family medical history used?

You inherit half of your genetic profile from each parent. Along with the genetic information that determines your appearance, you also inherit genes that might cause or increase your risk of certain medical conditions. A family medical history can reveal the history of disease in your family and allow you to identify patterns that might be relevant to your own health.
Your doctor might use your family medical history to:

• Assess your risk of certain diseases
• Recommend treatments or changes in diet or other lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of disease
• Determine which diagnostic tests to order
• Determine the type and frequency of screening tests
• Determine whether you or family members should get a specific genetic test
• Identify a condition that might not otherwise be considered
• Identify other family members who are at risk of developing a certain disease
• Assess your risk of passing conditions on to your children

A family medical history can't predict your future health. It only provides information about risk. Other factors — such as your diet, weight, exercise routine and exposure to environmental factors — also affect your risk of developing certain diseases.

What's the best way to gather family medical information?

Your family might want to work together to develop a family medical history. Consider kicking off the project at a family gathering, such as a holiday or reunion. Keep in mind, however, that some loved ones might be uncomfortable disclosing personal medical information — perhaps due to guilt, shame or a reluctance to face painful memories.
If you encounter reluctance, consider these strategies:

• Share your purpose. Explain that you're creating a record to help you determine whether you and your relatives have a family history of certain diseases or health conditions. Offer to make the medical history available to other family members so that they can share the information with their doctors.
• Provide several ways to answer questions. Some people might be more willing to share health information in a face-to-face conversation. Others might prefer answering your questions by phone, mail or email.
• Word questions carefully. Keep your questions short and to the point.
• Be a good listener. As your relatives talk about their health problems, listen without judgment or comment.
• Respect privacy. As you collect information about your relatives, respect their right to confidentiality. 

What other sources of information may be beneficial?

You might want to consult family documents, such as existing family trees, baby books, old letters, obituaries or records from places of worship. Public records — birth certificates, marriage licenses and death certificates — are usually available in county record offices. If you or your family members maintain electronic personal health records, use them.
If you're adopted, ask your adoptive parents if they received any medical information about your biological parents at the time of your adoption. Adoption agencies also might have family medical information on file. If you were adopted through an open adoption process, you might be able to discuss your family's medical history directly with members of your biological family.

What information should be included in a family medical history?

If possible, your family medical history should include at least three generations. Compile information about your grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, siblings, cousins, children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. For each person, try to gather the following information:

• Sex
• Date of birth
• Ethnicity
• Medical conditions
• Mental health conditions, including alcoholism or other substance abuse
• Pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects or infertility
• Age when each condition was diagnosed
• Lifestyle habits, including diet, exercise and tobacco use
• For deceased relatives, age at the time of death and cause of death

Pay special attention to conditions that develop earlier than usual, such as high blood pressure in early adulthood, or conditions that affect multiple relatives.

How should the information be compiled?

Once you've gathered information about your family, create a diagram that visually depicts the relationships among family members. Record medical information and other details about each person on your tree. If information about a disease or cause of death is unknown, don't guess at the answer. An incorrect guess can result in a poor interpretation of your medical history. Don't worry if some details are missing.
Give your doctor a copy of your family medical history and ask him or her to review it with you. Your doctor might ask you questions for clarification and can help you interpret the relevance of certain patterns in your medical history, including the need for preventive measures or screening tests. Going forward, update your family medical history every couple of years. Be sure to share updates with your doctor.

Friendships

Friendships can have a major impact on your health and well-being, but it's not always easy to build or maintain friendships. Understand the importance of friendships in your life and what you can do to develop and nurture friendships.

What are the benefits of friendships?

Good friends are good for your health. Friends can help you celebrate good times and provide support during bad times. Friends prevent loneliness and give you a chance to offer needed companionship, too. Friends can also:

• Increase your sense of belonging and purpose
• Boost your happiness and reduce your stress
• Improve your self-confidence and self-worth
• Help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one
• Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise

Why is it sometimes hard to make friends or maintain friendships?

Many adults find it hard to develop new friendships or keep up existing friendships. Friendships may take a back seat to other priorities, such as work or caring for children or aging parents. You and your friends may have grown apart due to changes in your lives or interests. Or maybe you've moved to a new community and haven't yet found a way to meet people.
Developing and maintaining good friendships takes effort. The enjoyment and comfort friendship can provide, however, makes the investment worthwhile.

What's a healthy number of friends?

Quality counts more than quantity. While it's good to cultivate a diverse network of friends and acquaintances, you also want to nurture a few truly close friends who will be there for you through thick and thin.

What are some ways to meet new people?

To meet new people who might become your friends, you have to go to places where others are gathered. Don't limit yourself to one strategy for meeting people. The broader your efforts, the greater your likelihood of success.
For example, try several of these ideas:

• Attend community events. Get together with a group of people working toward a goal you believe in, such as an election or the cleanup of a natural area. Find a group with similar interests in an activity, such as auto racing, gardening, reading or making crafts.
• Volunteer. Offer your time or talents at a hospital, place of worship, museum, community center, charitable group or other organization. You can form strong connections when you work with people who have mutual interests.
• Extend and accept invitations. Invite a friend to join you for coffee or lunch. When you're invited to a social gathering, say yes. Contact someone who recently invited you to an activity and return the favor.
• Take up a new interest. Take a college or community education course to meet people who have similar interests. Join a class at a local gym, senior center or community fitness facility.
• Join a faith community. Take advantage of special activities and get-to-know-you events for new members.
• Take a walk. Grab your kids or pet and head outside. Chat with neighbors who are also out and about or head to a popular park and strike up conversations there.

Above all, stay positive. You may not become friends with everyone you meet, but maintaining a friendly attitude and demeanor can help you improve the relationships in your life and sow the seeds of friendship with new acquaintances.

How does social media affect friendships?

Joining a chat group or online community might help you make or maintain connections and relieve loneliness. However, research suggests that use of social networking sites doesn't necessarily translate to a larger offline network or closer offline relationships with network members. In addition, remember to exercise caution when sharing personal information or arranging an activity with someone you've only met online.

How can I nurture my friendships?

Developing and maintaining healthy friendships involves give-and-take. Sometimes you're the one giving support, and other times you're on the receiving end. Letting friends know you care about them and appreciate them can help strengthen your bond. It's as important for you to be a good friend as it is to surround yourself with good friends.
To nurture your friendships:

• Accept yourself. Cultivate a healthy, realistic self-image. Work on building your self-esteem by taking care of yourself — eat a healthy diet and include physical activity in your daily routine. Insecurity and constant self-criticism can be turnoffs to potential friends.
• Accept others. Don't judge. Give your friends space to change, grow and make mistakes. Encourage your friends to freely express their emotions. Don't belittle or make fun of what the other person thinks or feels.
• Be positive. Think of friendship as an emotional bank account. Every act of kindness and every expression of approval are deposits into this account, while criticism and negativity draw down the account. Nonstop complaining puts a strain on a friendship.
• Don't compete. Don't let friendships turn into a battle over who makes the most money or who has the nicest home. Instead, admire their talents and celebrate their good fortune.
• Listen up. Ask what's going on in your friends' lives. Let the other person know you are paying close attention through eye contact, body language and occasional brief comments like, "That sounds fun." When friends share details of hard times or difficult experiences, be empathetic, but don't give advice unless your friends ask for it.
• Respect boundaries. Keep confidential any personal information that your friends share with you. Try not to ask questions that make your friends uncomfortable.

Remember, it's never too late to build new friendships or reconnect with old friends. Investing time in making friends and strengthening your friendships can pay off in better health and a brighter outlook for years to come.

Colon cancer screening

If your doctor has recommended colon cancer screening, you might be able to choose from various colon cancer screening tests. If you're reluctant to make a decision, remember that any discomfort or embarrassment from colon cancer screening is temporary — and detecting problems early could save your life. To help choose the colon cancer screening test that's best for you, consider the following questions.

What preparation is involved?

Preparing for colon cancer screening can be uncomfortable or inconvenient, but it's necessary for the test to be effective. As part of your decision, consider your willingness or ability to follow the preparation instructions for specific colon cancer screening tests. This may — to varying degrees — include avoiding solid food the day before the exam, adjusting your medications, and using laxatives or enemas to empty your colon.

How convenient is the test?

In addition to test preparation, consider:

• How long the test will take
• How often you need to repeat the test
• Whether you'll need sedation
• The possible need for follow-up testing to investigate a false-positive finding or to remove tissue

What about cost and insurance issues?

Find out how much each colon cancer screening test costs, as well as which tests your insurance company covers. Consider whether you're willing to pay out-of-pocket if necessary.

What is your attitude toward screening tests?

The more thorough the colon cancer screening test, the more likely it is to detect any cancer or precancerous polyps. Conversely, a more thorough test might also mean more inconvenient or uncomfortable preparation, a slightly higher risk of serious complications, or both. Think about your approach to screening tests and what's most important to you. Will you feel best if you know you've chosen the most thorough screening test possible? Will you worry or doubt the results if you choose a less thorough test? How concerned are you about convenience, preparation or the possibility of serious complications?

What is your doctor's approach to screening tests?

Make sure that you're comfortable with the colon cancer screening test your doctor recommends. If your doctor specializes in a particular test but you'd rather have another test, express your wishes. If necessary, your doctor might offer a referral to someone trained in the test with which you feel most comfortable.

What is your risk level?

Your risk of colon cancer might influence your choice of screening tests. For example, your doctor might recommend colonoscopy as the screening tool of choice, likely at frequent intervals, if you:

• Have a personal history of colon cancer or precancerous polyps
• Have a parent, sibling or child who's had colon cancer
• Carry a gene for a hereditary colon cancer syndrome
• Have a history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

What are the pros and cons of each test?

Here's an overview of the most common colon cancer screening tests.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum. A long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon.

• Pros. Colonoscopy is generally considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening. Polyps or other types of abnormal tissue can be removed through the scope during the exam. Tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken as well. The exam typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
• Cons. The exam might not detect all small polyps and cancers. You might need to adjust your usual medications before the exam. Typically, you can't eat solid food the day before the exam and you'll need to use laxatives or another product to empty your colon. Sedation is generally recommended. Rare complications may include bleeding from the site where a biopsy was taken or a polyp or other abnormal tissue was removed, or a tear in the colon or rectum wall. Cramping or bloating might occur after the exam. Since the sedative can take hours to wear off, you'll need to arrange for someone to drive you home.

CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
CT colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy, is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum. During this exam, an imaging technique known as computerized tomography (CT) is used to produce cross-sectional images of the abdominal organs. To help create clear images, a small tube (catheter) is placed inside your rectum to fill your colon with air or carbon dioxide.

• Pros. Unlike traditional colonoscopy, CT colonography doesn't require sedation or the insertion of a scope into the colon. The exam typically takes about 10 minutes.
• Cons. The exam might not detect all small polyps and cancers. You might need to adjust your usual medications before the exam. Typically, you can't eat solid food the day before the exam. You might need to use laxatives or another product to empty your colon. Radiation exposure from repeated procedures might be a concern. Since tissue samples can't be taken during the exam, a follow-up colonoscopy might be needed if an abnormality is detected. Cramping or bloating might occur after the exam.

Fecal occult blood test
A fecal occult blood test is a lab test used to check stool samples for hidden (occult) blood.

• Pros. Stool sample collection can be done at home. There's no need to empty the colon ahead of time.
• Cons. The test fails to detect most polyps and some cancers. Certain foods and medications might need to be avoided for several days before the test. If blood is detected, additional tests might be needed to determine the source. False-negative and false-positive results are possible.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an exam used to evaluate the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon). A thin, flexible tube (sigmoidoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the rectum and most of the sigmoid colon.

• Pros. Sedation isn't usually needed. Biopsies can be taken through the scope during the exam. The exam typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Cons. Typically one or more enemas are done before the procedure to empty the lower part of the colon. In some cases, you might not be able to eat solid food the day before the exam. The exam doesn't allow the doctor to see the entire colon, so any cancers or polyps farther into the colon can't be detected. Rare complications may include bleeding from the biopsy site or a tear in the lining of the colon. Cramping or bloating might occur after the exam. Additional tests might be necessary if an abnormality is detected.

What's the bottom line?

Choosing a colon cancer screening test isn't always an easy decision, but it's a potentially lifesaving one. Consult your doctor about your colon cancer screening options. Commit to a screening schedule based on your personal risk factors. Remember, the earlier colon cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.

Help yourself to better sleep

Children fight it. Adults can't seem to get enough. What is it? Sleep. If you're struggling to get a good night's sleep, it may be time to tune up your bedtime — and daytime — routines. Try these self-help tips.

Bedtime

• Find ways to relax. A warm bath before bedtime can help prepare you for sleep. Having your partner give you a massage also may help relax you. Create a relaxing bedtime ritual, such as reading, soft music, breathing exercises, yoga or prayer.
•  
• Make the bed comfortable. Having a comfortable pillow and mattress can help promote a good night's sleep. In general, latex, contour foam and polyester pillows perform better than feather or regular foam pillows, but the choice comes down to your personal preference. Similarly, the choice of a firm or soft mattress is largely a matter of individual preference. You may need to experiment to find what works for you.
•  
• Create a sleep-friendly space. Close your bedroom door or create a subtle background noise, such as a running fan, to help drown out other noises. Keep your bedroom temperature comfortable, usually cooler than during the day and dark. Don't keep a computer or TV in your bedroom.
•  
• Hide the clocks. Set your alarm so that you know when to get up, but then hide all clocks in your bedroom, including your wristwatch and cellphone. You'll sleep better if the clocks are out of view.
•  
• Get out of bed if you're not sleeping. Sleep as much as needed to feel rested, and then get out of bed. The bedroom should be used for sleep and intimacy. So, if you can't sleep, get out of bed after 20 minutes and do something relaxing, such as reading, rather than lying in bed and getting frustrated about your wakefulness.

Daytime

• Stick to a regular schedule. Keep your bedtime and wake time consistent from day to day, including on weekends.
•  
• Spend a little time in the sun. Daylight is key to regulating daily sleep patterns. Try to get outside in natural sunlight for at least 30 minutes each day. If possible, wake up with the sun or use very bright lights in the morning.
•  
• Exercise and stay active. Get at least 20 to 30 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, but make sure it's at least five to six hours before bedtime.
•  
• Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Caffeine after lunchtime and nicotine at any time of the day can keep you from falling asleep at night. Alcohol, while it may initially make you feel sleepy, can cause frequent awakenings.
•  
• Avoid large meals and beverages before bed. A light snack is fine, but eating too much food late in the evening can interfere with sleep. Drink less before bedtime so that you won't have to urinate as often.
•  
• Avoid or limit naps. Naps can make it harder to fall asleep at night. If you can't get by without one, try to limit a nap to no more than 30 minutes and don't nap after 3 p.m.
•  

When to contact your doctor

Nearly everyone has an occasional sleepless night — but if you often have trouble sleeping, contact your doctor. Identifying and treating any underlying causes can help you get the sleep you need.

10 tips to tame your temper

Do you fume when someone cuts you off in traffic? Does your blood pressure rocket when your child refuses to cooperate? Anger is a normal and even healthy emotion — but it's important to deal with it in a positive way. Uncontrolled anger can take a toll on both your health and your relationships.
Ready to get your anger under control? Start by considering these 10 anger management tips.

1. Think before you speak

In the heat of the moment, it's easy to say something you'll later regret. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying anything — and allow others involved in the situation to do the same.

2. Once you're calm, express your anger

As soon as you're thinking clearly, express your frustration in an assertive but nonconfrontational way. State your concerns and needs clearly and directly, without hurting others or trying to control them.

3. Get some exercise

Physical activity can help reduce stress that can cause you to become angry. If you feel your anger escalating, go for a brisk walk or run, or spend some time doing other enjoyable physical activities.

4. Take a timeout

Timeouts aren't just for kids. Give yourself short breaks during times of the day that tend to be stressful. A few moments of quiet time might help you feel better prepared to handle what's ahead without getting irritated or angry.

5. Identify possible solutions

Instead of focusing on what made you mad, work on resolving the issue at hand. Does your child's messy room drive you crazy? Close the door. Is your partner late for dinner every night? Schedule meals later in the evening — or agree to eat on your own a few times a week. Remind yourself that anger won't fix anything and might only make it worse.

6. Stick with 'I' statements

To avoid criticizing or placing blame — which might only increase tension — use "I" statements to describe the problem. Be respectful and specific. For example, say, "I'm upset that you left the table without offering to help with the dishes," instead of, "You never do any housework."

7. Don't hold a grudge

Forgiveness is a powerful tool. If you allow anger and other negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice. But if you can forgive someone who angered you, you might both learn from the situation. It's unrealistic to expect everyone to behave exactly as you want at all times.

8. Use humor to release tension

Lightening up can help diffuse tension. Use humor to help you face what's making you angry and, possibly, any unrealistic expectations you have for how things should go. Avoid sarcasm, though — it can hurt feelings and make things worse.

9. Practice relaxation skills

When your temper flares, put relaxation skills to work. Practice deep-breathing exercises, imagine a relaxing scene, or repeat a calming word or phrase, such as, "Take it easy." You might also listen to music, write in a journal or do a few yoga poses — whatever it takes to encourage relaxation.

10. Know when to seek help

Learning to control anger is a challenge for everyone at times. Consider seeking help for anger issues if your anger seems out of control, causes you to do things you regret or hurts those around you.

Daily Exercise Can Enhance Your Life

Do you struggle to find the time and energy to go the the gym on a regular basis? If so, you're no different from almost every other guy on the planet. Not everyone has what it takes to go to the gym every day, but there are some good reasons why doing so can help significantly enhance your life. Learning more about the benefits of exercise can help motivate you to get in shape.

1. Less Time Spent In Front Of The TV And Computer
While televisions and computers aren't inherently bad or unhealthy, when they're used in excess, they can have a detrimental effect on your life. Daily exercise can help fill up more time in your day so you don't end up spending so much time in front of a TV or computer. This can help you avoid some of these negative effects of excessive TV and computer use:

• Greater exposure to advertising
• Makes time management more difficult
• Potential addiction
• Shortens attention span
• Couch potato style over eating
• Eye strain

Again, using a TV or computer in moderation can help you keep in touch with the world around you, but you have to draw a line somewhere. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine will make it harder to spend stuck in front of a flickering tube.
2. More Sex

Daily exercise doesn't guarantee more sex, but there are some compelling reasons why it does help. The first reason is that it helps you look better naked. Less flab, and more muscle is a winning combination when you have to take off your clothes. And the better you look naked, the more women will want to take you home and jump your bones, which can help you when your either single or in a relationship. If you're single and better looking, obviously you'll have a higher rate of success with women. And if you're in a relationship and look better, your girlfriend will likely have sex more frequently.
The next reason daily exercise leads to more sex is that it increases your libido. An increased libido won't guarantee more sex, but it does point you in the right direction. After an intense workout, your body releases large amounts of testosterone which increases your overall sex drive. With a greater sex drive, you'll obviously go further out of your way to get some action.

3. Better Sex
Although daily exercise doesn't always guarantee more sex, it very often leads to better sex. If you exercise daily, you probably have a trimmer figure and are in better physical shape than people who don't exercise. This can benefit your sex life in many different ways. If you're trimmer and have a flatter stomach you can use more of your penis, which allows you to make longer thrusts and gives you more sexual positions to work with.
Another way daily exercise helps your sex life is that it improves your body's circulation and cardiovascular health. When your body is stimulated and you become aroused, your body increases the blood flow to the penis while decreasing the blood flow from the penis, which results in an erection. The better your body and heart is able to power and control this blood flow, the better your erections will be. If you exercise daily, your heart will be well conditioned to take on the task of rigorous sex.

4. Build New Friendships, Strengthen Existing Ones
When exercise becomes a more important part of your daily life, you'll start to gravitate more towards people who also share an interest in physical fitness. This can lead to the creation of new friendships and the strengthening of existing ones. If you enjoy running but don't enjoy going alone, try tapping into your friends or coworkers for a running buddy. If you aren't able to find one in your own personal network, you can always turn to the internet. Check out forums and social networking sites for local runner meet ups, clubs, and races and you'll be that much closer to meeting new runners in your area.
If some of your friends like to visit the gym every now and then, you should definitely tag along and work out with them. When you exercise with your friends, you have more opportunities to get to know them better and improve your existing friendships. This is definitely a great benefit of daily exercise and is a very positive activity to do with friends (as opposed to drinking, taking drugs, and other shenanigans). When you exercise with friends, it makes it easier to stick to exercise commitments. If you exercise alone, it becomes more difficult to stick to your fitness goals.

5. Satisfaction, Accomplishment, Happiness
After exercising for weeks, months, and years, you'll begin to see very tangible results. You may weigh less, broader shoulders, or six pack abs. Whatever the case may be, once you start seeing results, you'll feel a tremendous amount of satisfaction, accomplishment, and even happiness. Exercising is work; it definitely isn't easy and requires a lot of discipline and effort. If you're able to use all of the discipline and effort you have to improve your health, appearance, and physical condition, you can certainly bet it will put a smile on your face.

Common Excuses For Not Exercising

Everyone has an excuse to avoid exercising. Why? Because exercising is work. It takes substantial amounts of both time and effort to produce any visible results. It's no wonder people would rather not exercise if given a choice. The problem with this though is that exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of this list is to show that the most common excuses for avoiding exercising don't hold very much water.

1. I Don't Have Enough Time
This is the most common excuse people use to avoid doing exercise. The reason why this excuse is used so often is because everyone else uses it. If everyone is too busy to exercise, why can't I be too busy too? The problem with this attitude is that most people have horrible diet and exercise habits, so following the majority is not such a great idea. If you feel like you don't have enough time in your day to exercise, consider how much time you waste watching television and surfing the internet. If you devoted just a half hour each day to exercise, you'd be in much better shape.

2. Exercising Is Too Expensive
Another common excuse people use to avoid exercising is that it's too expensive. Gym memberships aren't free and buying equipment for a home gym is costly and requires a lot of space. These two excuses are legitimate to a certain point. If you want to get a full body workout, it does help to have access to a full gym, but doing basic cardio hardly takes anything more than a little willpower and a pair of running shoes. If the weather outside isn't agreeable, you can always spend a few dollars on a jump rope which is both cheap and hardly takes any space to store.

3. I'm Going To Start Next Week/Month/Year
Because exercise requires a lot of work, it's no surprise that exercise is something that is easy to put off. Of course a person would be more inclined to exercise later rather than sooner. If you find yourself using this excuse yourself, ask yourself what is stopping you from exercising today, and even right now. If you're reading this article, you probably have some free time on your hands. Is there anything getting in the way of you exercising except procrastination?

4. I'm Scared Of Messing Up
If you don't go to the gym very often, you may feel a bit uncomfortable going there. There are several reasons for this. People who are at the gym frequently are usually in great shape. No matter which gym you go to, you'll probably encounter at least one or two muscle heads. It can be intimidating trying to work out around huge guys who can bench hundreds of pounds without even breaking a sweat. It can also be hard if you don't know how to use the workout equipment properly. If you're scared of messing up when you go the gym, it's important to educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about workouts that fit your needs and goals. Find out what equipment to use, how to use it properly, and how long you should use it for. You can also use a personal trainer to help familiarize yourself with a workout that will suit you best.

5. I'm Already Skinny
A lot of people who don't exercise do so because they believe they're already in good shape. If you're naturally lean and don't exercise because you look like you're in shape, consider this: people who don't exercise, no matter their body type, are still susceptible to certain health risks, namely heart disease. A study conducted by Dr Gary O'Donovan of Brunel University involving lean exercisers, lean non-exercises, and obese non-exercisers showed that the non-exercising participants, both lean and obese, had a higher chance of developing heart disease. What this means is that to avoid certain health risks like heart disease, it's important for even skinny people to exercise.