Wake Up Tri-Counties Samantha Rux Talks Exercise and Weight/Resistance Training Help Women More than Men

Samantha Rux from OSF Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about a study that shows that regular exercise and weight training are more impactful for women than men. New research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology highlights greater exercise benefits for women compared to men. Tracking 400,000 individuals, the study found that women who work out regularly are 24% less likely to die early, compared to a 15% reduction for men. Women also saw a 36% lower risk of cardiovascular death, far outpacing men at just 14%. Nurse practitioner Mary O’Meara of OSF HealthCare urges women to add strength training to their routines, explaining that it can help combat muscle loss, improve heart health, and lower risks of dementia and osteoporosis. Proper protein intake and healthy fats are also recommended to maximize these benefits. A new study highlights a significant gender gap in heart health: women who exercise regularly experience a 36% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular events, compared to a 14% reduction in men. Mary O’Meara, a nurse practitioner at OSF HealthCare, points out that heart attacks in women are often missed, as symptoms can be subtle—fatigue, nausea, or heartburn—rather than intense chest pain. O’Meara emphasizes strength training and adequate protein intake, especially during menopause, to reduce risks of dementia, osteoporosis, and muscle loss. She also advocates for healthy fats like olive oil and fish oil in the diet, reminding women that it’s never too late to start moving. Find more information at https://www.osfhealthcare.org/services/specialties/women.