Many people do not know the full benefits of physical activity. Even small bouts, such as 10 minutes a day, can help with chronic conditions!
When you are living with health problems, regular exercise and activity are important. Being active can keep you healthier, give you energy, make you stronger, and help your mood. An active body is less likely to give in to diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, arthritis, depression, or weight gain. And being active can help protect you from new health problems.
Regular exercise:
- Helps control stress, depression, and anxiety.
- Helps manage blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Lowers your risk for heart attack and stroke.
- Keeps your blood sugar at a healthy level.
- Can build bone strength.
Basic tips for exercising when you have health problems:
- Be as active as you can but honor your body’s limits.
- Set goals that you can reach. (Two days might be more achievable than four.)
- Start off slow, even with a few minutes a day.
- Keep emergency phone numbers with you at all times.
- Find a group, class, or buddy you can enjoy being active with.
- Stay within your doctor’s guidelines—if you have knee problems, walk on flat ground.
- Do not exercise if your condition is worse than usual.
For more information on the benefits of physical activity, email contactknovasolutions@workpartners.com or call 1-800-355-0885. We are available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise Inc. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.