The risks and benefits of exercise will be the topic of a faculty lecture by Janet Peterson, associate professor of health and human performance, Wednesday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m. in 201 Riley Hall at Linfield College.

“The Science Behind the Health Benefits of Exercise” will address the importance of physical fitness as it relates to long-term health. Exercise reduces the risk for chronic disease, helps manage weight and improves mental outlook. The Surgeon General recommends participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day on at least five days per week. To explain how this activity translates into health benefits, Peterson will draw from some of the core sciences including biology, chemistry and physics to evaluate the role of exercise in human health and disease.

Peterson teaches exercise physiology and nutrition at Linfield and is the interim director of academic advising. She received her bachelor’s in premed and biology from the University of Southern California, her master’s in kinesiology from California State University Northridge and her doctorate in preventive care from Loma Linda University. Her research interest focuses on human health related to life style choices. She is particularly interested in the physiological adaptations to physical inactivity, activity, environment and nutrition. Her recent research endeavors include the health benefits of participating in a community-based outdoor recreation education program, increasing physical activity opportunities in adolescent females and the health consequences of low altitude porters working and living at high altitudes in Nepal.

The lecture is free and open to the public. The Linfield College faculty lecture series offers one presentation each month by a member of the Linfield faculty. For more information, call 503-883-2409.