Physical Fitness and Chronic Disease

Physical Fitness::Getting Fit While Coping with Chronic Disease

Getting Fit While Coping with Chronic Disease

If you’re living with a chronic disease or still healing from an injury, with some modifications to your routine and the green light from a health expert, you can still Get Fit. Just start slowly and gradually ease into a new routine or get back on track after an injury. Try these Get Fit tips:

Swimming is a great non-weight bearing activity.

Ride a stationary bike to ease impact on your joints.

Strength training two to three times a week will build
muscles mass and strong bones.

Stretch daily or try flexibility training like yoga

and Pilates.

Getting Fit with Diabetes

Exercise and healthy eating can help prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes, and in some cases, even reverse the course of the disease. Remember, talk to your health care provider first.

Always monitor your glucose levels before and after you begin any physical activity.

Getting Fit with Heart Disease or a Stroke

If you have heart disease or you’ve suffered a stroke, keeping your body healthy and strong has never been more important. Remember, you can start where you are, regardless of your current fitness level. It’s never too late to Get Fit! First, as always, talk to your health care provider before you begin.

Inform your health care provider if you have any abnormal signs or symptoms before, during or after exercising.

If you’ve been prescribed nitroglycerin, carry it with you, especially during physical activity.

Never continue exercising if you experience chest pain. If you develop chest pain during your activity, call 911 immediately.

Getting Fit with Arthritis

If you’re coping with arthritis, you can still exercise. In fact, it could help with dexterity and flexibility.

Always include flexibility and range of motion activities like stretching and dancing in your daily exercise routine.

Spend about 10 minutes warming up and another 10 minutes cooling down after your exercise, this is especially important for people with arthritis.

Never continue to the point of pain. If you have pain stop, rest, and ice sore areas as needed.