RSS Feed |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Exercise key for all ages It's important for people of all ages, especially seniors, to stay active. According to the Centers for Disease Control, being physically active can reduce your risk of dying from heart disease and decreases the risk for colon cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. Physical activity also helps control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles and joints; relieves the pain of arthritis; reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression; and can decrease the need for hospitalizations, physician visits and medications. There's no better time than now to start exercising. Be sure to check with your doctor before increasing your physical activity. Here are some tips to help you get started: • Don't just jump into a fitness routine. First, stretch your arms, legs and back. Start off slowly, gradually increasing the pace of your exercise. Don't do too much too soon or you will hurt yourself. • Exercise should make you feel better, not worse. A little soreness, discomfort or fatigue is normal. Listen to your body - if you feel lightheaded, a shortness of breath, a sudden, severe headache, are sweating excessively, or have pains in the chest, stomach or anywhere else, you should stop exercising. If symptoms persist, contact your doctor. • If you are on medication or have a condition that alters your heart rate, don't use your pulse as a judge of how fast your heart is or should be beating. • It's especially important to stay hydrated when you are engaging in exercise that makes you sweat. Drink before, during and after exercise to prevent dehydration.
• A cool down is just as important as a warm up. Stretch your arms, legs and back to bring your heart rate back to its normal level.
|
for larger version       |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
