SHOULD I CONSULT A DOCTOR BEFORE I START AN EXERCISE PROGRAM?

Most people do not need to see a doctor before they start exercising, since a gradual, sensible exercise program will have minimal health risks. However, some people should seek medical advice.

Use the following checklist to find out if you should consult a doctor before you start or significantly increase your physical activity.

Mark those items that apply to you:

      Your doctor said you have a heart condition and recommended only medically supervised physical activity.

       During or right after your exercise, you frequently have pains or pressure in the left or mid chest area, left neck, shoulder or arm.

       You have developed chest pain within the last month.

       You tend to lose consciousness or fall over due to dizziness.

       You feel extremely breathless after mild exertion.

       Your doctor recommended you take medicine for your blood pressure or a heart condition.

       Your doctor said you have bone or joint problems that could be made worse by the proposed physical activity.

       You are middle-aged or older, have not been physically active, and plan a relatively vigorous exercise program.

       You have a medical condition or other physical reason not mentioned here which might need special attention in an exercise program. (For example, insulin-dependent diabetes.)

If you’ve checked one or more items, see your doctor before you start. If you’ve checked no items, you can start on a gradual, sensible program of increased activity tailored to your needs. If you feel any of the physical symptoms listed above when you start your exercise program, contact your doctor right away.

What is I’ve had a heart attack?                                                       

Regular, brisk physical activity can help reduce your risk of having another heart attack. People who include regular physical activity in their lives after a heart attack improve their chances of survival. Regular exercise can also improve the quality of your life – how you feel and look. It can help you do more than before without pain (angina) or shortness of breath.

If you’ve had a heart attack, consult your doctor to be sure you are following a safe and effective exercise program. Your doctor’s guidance is very important because it could help prevent heart pain and for further damage for overexertion.

FIVE COMMON MYTHS ABOUT EXERCISE

Myth 1. Exercising makes you tired.

As one becomes more physically fit, most people feel physical activity gives them even more energy than before. Regular moderate-to-brisk exercise can also help you reduce fatigue and manage stress.

Myth 2. Exercising takes too much time.

It only takes a few minutes a day to become more physically active. To condition your heart and lungs, regular exercise does not have to take more that about 30 to 60 minutes, four or five times a week. If you don’t have 30 minutes in your schedule for an exercise break, try to find two 15 minutes periods or even three 10 minute periods. Once you discover how much you enjoy these exercise breaks, you may want to make them a habit! Then physical activity becomes a natural part of your life.

Myth 3. All exercises give you the same benefit.

Al physical can give you enjoyment. Low intensity activities-if performed daily-also can have some long-term health benefits and lower your risk of heart disease. But only regular brisk and sustained exercises such as brisk walking, jogging or swimming improve the efficiency of your heart and lungs and burn off substantial extra calories. Other activities may give you other benefits such as increased flexibility or muscle strength, depending on the type of activity.

Myth 4. The older you are, the less exercise you need.

We tend to become less active with age, and therefore need to make sure we are getting enough physical activity. In general, middle-aged and older people benefit from regular physical activity just as young people do. Age need not be a limitation. In fact, regular physical activity in older persons increases their capacity to perform activities of daily living. What is important, no matter what your age, is to tailor the activity program to your own fitness level.

Myth 5. You have to be athletic to exercise.

Most physical activities do not require any special athletic skills. In fact, many people who found school sports difficult have discovered that these other activities are easy to do and enjoy. A perfect example is walking- an activity that requires no special talent, athletic ability or equipment.

Other low-intensity activities-like gardening, yard-work, housework, dancing, home exercise and yoga can help lower your risk of heart disease if done daily.

Hope you liked this blog!

This article is written by Dr. Bimal Chhajer (Best Heart Specialist)