Physical activity prolongs healthy life years, but there is need to be cautious. The case of Jim Fixx (1932-1984)
2022
Abstract
Ninety years ago Jim Fixx (1932-1984) was born, author of bestsellers that awakened the general public's interest in recreational jogging as an effective means of maintaining good health. The very example of the author's life story was an inspiration for many to change their lifestyle for the better.
However, his sudden death during running training showed that even trained runners cannot exclude health risks that in exceptional cases can be life-threatening. More demanding physical activity, such as running undoubztedly represents, should be preceded by a consultation with a general practitioner, in indicated cases, the specialist in sports medicine should have had a significant say on the basis of the stress test.