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Healthy You Archives |
Staying Fit
When You Should and Shouldn’t ExerciseSometimes it’s vital to keep up those workouts. Other times, it’s best to take it easy! Building her strength beforehand helped Joan Jerant recover quickly from surgery last year to donate a kidney to her brother. As a registered nurse at Lehigh Valley Hospital, she knew a well-toned body heals more quickly and decided, “I’d better practice what I preach!” Jerant joined a light weightlifting class called PUMP. Today, she continues walking, strength-training and using her treadmill. “I feel better than before the surgery,” she says.No question about it, exercise does your body good. It keeps you slim, helps prevent a host of diseases and makes you feel better. But as with most things, there are times to rev up your fitness routine and times to tone it down. Take it easy when…You feel sick. Fever or vomiting are signs you’re hard at work fighting a bug. (Another clue: your early-morning pulse is 10 percent or more above normal.) Give yourself a rest. Exercise could cause overheating, dehydration or injury.Something really hurts. “Pushing through” an injury just creates more damage. With overuse injuries like shin splints, wait until fully healed and build back up gradually. You’ve had surgery. Follow your doctor’s orders about when to be active again. Lifting weights can damage your incision. Water aerobics is a good way to rebuild muscles gently after back or other surgery. The conditions are extreme. When it’s very hot outside, avoid midday exercise, take it slow and drink extra fluids. (A sports drink with sodium is a healthy choice.) When it’s very cold, allow extra warm-up time. At high altitudes, build up gradually to acclimate your system. You have a high-risk pregnancy. Working out during pregnancy is great, but not if your doctor says it’s too risky. You’ve just had a big meal. When blood is flowing to your stomach, you’re more prone to cramping and fatigue. Wait at least 30 minutes. Keep going when…You only feel a little sick or hurt. Exercise has been shown to help fight off low-grade infections and ease minor aches and pains (like that chronic backache).You’re going to have elective (non-emergency) surgery, especially joint surgery. A conditioned body heals more quickly. You’re under stress (job loss, family problems, etc.). Exercise releases feel-good endorphins, and also helps you sleep and maintain a positive self-image. You’re pregnant. Being in good shape makes labor shorter and less painful. You want to lose weight. Dieting alone won’t do it. To burn more calories, you need to boost your metabolism through exercise. You’re at risk for osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercise (such as walking) stimulates bone growth. You have heart disease or diabetes, or are at risk. Regular exercise can make all the difference in length and quality of life. It even may eliminate the need for some medications. You’re on a long journey. In a plane, train or car, get up and move periodically to keep your blood flowing. You’re prone to falling. Older adults reduce their risk by exercising gently to improve muscle tone and balance. This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
ARTICLE TOOLS:
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 November December 2008 Eating Healthy
Staying Fit
Caring for Mind and Body
Just for Women
Just for Men
Raising a Family
Heart of Healthy You
Protecting Your Health
Coping with Illness
Aging Well
Keeping Up to Date
Weight Control
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