Stay Strong in Your Fight To Master Brain Injury!

Monday, October 2, 2006

Move + Twist + Bend = Exercise
We all know physical activity is good for us several days a week. Whether alone or with someone else, the benefits of physical activity are amazing:
1.Reduces the risk of dying prematurely.
2.Reduces the risk of dying from heart disease.
3.Reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
4.Reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
5.Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure.
6.Reduces the risk of colon cancer.
7.Reduce feelings of depression & anxiety.
8.Helps control weight.
9.Helps build & maintain healthy bones, muscles, & joints.
10.Helps older adults become stronger & able to move about without falling.
11.Promotes psychological well-being.
Aerobic (also known as cardiovascular) uses large muscles in your legs, thighs & back. You can get heart rate monitors or step monitors to help you regulate your exercises--make sure you check with your doctor for his/her recommendations. Beware some health clubs can be great for starting you off with a “trainer” who is unqualified to diagnose your physical condition.
A thin or smaller person can be assumed to be in excellent health when in fact that person could have high blood pressure, heart problems, or Marfan syndrome/disease. Therefore, it is imperative to seek a dr.’s O.K. before jumping into exercise or aerobic training program.
According to Joan Price, “You’re in an aerobic state when you, breathing faster (not gasping), feeling warmer and break a sweat.” Examples: brisk walking, bicycling, jogging, skating, swimming, rowing, or cross-country skiing.
Muscle weighs more than fat, although it is denser & makes you look slimmer. So if you choose to “bulk up” you will have very large muscles, become more solid in muscles, & weigh more. Therefore, lifting small weights (1-10pds) may not bulk you up, but will tone you up giving you a healthy body.
Sitting in front of the phone/TV & Gabby means your sure to end up be fat & flabby. The rhyme should paint a picture in your head. Don’t forget to visit your doctor every year & go to all your scheduled follow-up appointments. Have a complete blood work up yearly or as prescribed by your doctor. Have a great yearly check-up.
Remember to Ease into Exercise. ##