Kenneth Gardner
REGULAR, APPROPRIATE exercise is beneficial for persons with chronic health conditions or other special health concerns such as heart disease. Exercise is
medicinal and is an important part of the management protocol. Exercise is especially important in the prevention, diagnosing, and rehabilitation of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) diseases.
Persons with cardiovascular
conditions such as hypertension who do physical exercise can lower their blood pressure and improve their cholesterol levels while persons with diabetes will experience improved insulin
sensitivity and body mass index (body composition) if they
follow an appropriate exercise
prescription, regularly.
Individuals who are asthmatic can reduce the risks of an attack during exercise by exercising
regularly. Many asthmatics no longer experience asthmatic attacks when exercise becomes a regular part of their lifestyle.
For most people with special health concerns the risks associated with not exercising are far greater than those associated with a
moderate programme of regular exercise and more so with an appropriate exercise prescription that is developed for their specific needs.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There are general guidelines for any exercise programme.
However, for persons who have special health concerns, certain precautions and monitoring may be required. If you are sedentary (inactive) and over 35 years old or have special health concerns you should consult a physician before you begin an exercise programme. Physical exercise is a potent
medication and doing the wrong kinds of exercise could kill you, according to noted cardiologists. The exercise programme should begin as early as possible in the course of a disease.
The ideal way to approach an exercise programme is to warm up thoroughly to loosen stiff muscles and lower the risks of injury. The programme should begin with low-impact activities to decrease both joint and soft tissue injuries. Flexibility exercises are very important to maintain the mobility of the joints and make it easier for you to complete the routine.
SELF-PACED APPROACH
Use the self-paced approach when you are beginning an
exercise programme; you are the best judge to determine how you feel and your comfort level. Whatever you are doing should not be too easy or too difficult.
When you are exercising pay careful attention to how your body is responding so that you can adjust to the difficulties that you might be experiencing. You can slow down or stop if the activity is causing too much discomfort. Try to exercise with a partner this will help to motivate you to
continue the programme.
Make sure that you are not thirsty before you start your
exercise. If you experience thirst during the routine, take small quantities of water on a regular basis, about seven ounces every 10 to 15 minutes. You can drink water/fluid before, during and after the exercise routine, which will prevent dehydration and make the experience more rewarding. If you drink too much, your body will
tell you. Dehydration is more complicated in terms of how your body responds, so drink small quantities of liquid regularly to prevent the complications of
dehydration.
You should conclude your
exercise routine with a cool down routine which is necessary to
prevent sudden changes in factors such as your heart rate, blood flow and blood pressure. The cool down activity prevents fainting, dizziness and nausea.
When you exercise it makes your body work much better which will help to prevent many of the chronic lifestyle health problems. Your immune system will also be strengthened to prevent many
ailments.
Kenneth Gardner is an exercise physiologist at the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
