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CFMC discusses importance of
From Staff Reports
Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean that it’s too late to get in shape. In fact, research shows that older people who have never exercised can still benefit from physical conditioning.
By starting a regular exercise program, you can help prevent coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, depression and some cancer. Physical fitness reduces the effects of osteoporosis and arthritis — two conditions which can severely limit an older person’s lifestyle. Being in good shape physically can help you remain independent as you age and improve the quality of your life.
So how do you get started with a fitness regime if you’re older and haven’t been active?
“Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program,” suggests Mike Anastos, Director of the Therapy and Rehabilitation Center at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital. “Certain medical conditions such as cardiac disease, lung disease, and diabetes may affect the type of fitness activities you can participate in. Your doctor can help determine which type of exercise is best for you and may monitor your progress.”
Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital encourages adults of all ages to take a step towards a healthier lifestyle by exercising regularly. A fitness program should include aerobic exercise, weight or strength training, and exercises for flexibility. Aerobic exercise helps strengthen your heart and maintain lung capacity. It may slow or prevent the buildup of plaque in arteries and veins (atherosclerosis) and ward off hardening of the arteries by keeping them flexible. Sustained aerobic exercise may help control type 2 diabetes by helping the body metabolize sucrose.
Weight or strength training helps strengthen your bones and muscles and may help lower your cholesterol. “Weight training improves the strength of your ligaments and tendons so that less stress is placed on your joints,” adds Anastos.
Several studies among nursing home residents have shown that even frail older adults can increase their muscle strength and decrease their disability. Additionally, one study of stroke survivors who participated in a strength training program found that they were able to improve their lower body strength and improve their mobility.
“Flexibility training or stretching helps you improve the range of motion for your joints, and can ease stiffness that often is associated with aging,” explains Anastos. “The improved range of motion and decreased stiffness may help in making some everyday tasks or activities easier or less stressful on the body.” In addition to your wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles, stretching can help your back. You should remember that becoming more flexible takes time. Do your stretching slowly and gently at first to prevent injury.
For many people the easiest way to get started and stay with an exercise program is to join a class or fitness center. Some centers may offer certified trainers who can help design a program that meets your needs and takes your health conditions into account. Many centers offer special senior classes and nutritional counseling, and therapy centers often provide rehabilitation specially designed for cardiac patients.
Consult with a physician before making a change in your diet and fitness habits. To find a doctor or specialist near you, visit www.CyFairHospital.com/Physician or call 1-800-681-2733.
By starting a regular exercise program, you can help prevent coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, depression and some cancer. Physical fitness reduces the effects of osteoporosis and arthritis — two conditions which can severely limit an older person’s lifestyle. Being in good shape physically can help you remain independent as you age and improve the quality of your life.
So how do you get started with a fitness regime if you’re older and haven’t been active?
“Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program,” suggests Mike Anastos, Director of the Therapy and Rehabilitation Center at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital. “Certain medical conditions such as cardiac disease, lung disease, and diabetes may affect the type of fitness activities you can participate in. Your doctor can help determine which type of exercise is best for you and may monitor your progress.”
Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital encourages adults of all ages to take a step towards a healthier lifestyle by exercising regularly. A fitness program should include aerobic exercise, weight or strength training, and exercises for flexibility. Aerobic exercise helps strengthen your heart and maintain lung capacity. It may slow or prevent the buildup of plaque in arteries and veins (atherosclerosis) and ward off hardening of the arteries by keeping them flexible. Sustained aerobic exercise may help control type 2 diabetes by helping the body metabolize sucrose.
Weight or strength training helps strengthen your bones and muscles and may help lower your cholesterol. “Weight training improves the strength of your ligaments and tendons so that less stress is placed on your joints,” adds Anastos.
Several studies among nursing home residents have shown that even frail older adults can increase their muscle strength and decrease their disability. Additionally, one study of stroke survivors who participated in a strength training program found that they were able to improve their lower body strength and improve their mobility.
“Flexibility training or stretching helps you improve the range of motion for your joints, and can ease stiffness that often is associated with aging,” explains Anastos. “The improved range of motion and decreased stiffness may help in making some everyday tasks or activities easier or less stressful on the body.” In addition to your wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles, stretching can help your back. You should remember that becoming more flexible takes time. Do your stretching slowly and gently at first to prevent injury.
For many people the easiest way to get started and stay with an exercise program is to join a class or fitness center. Some centers may offer certified trainers who can help design a program that meets your needs and takes your health conditions into account. Many centers offer special senior classes and nutritional counseling, and therapy centers often provide rehabilitation specially designed for cardiac patients.
Consult with a physician before making a change in your diet and fitness habits. To find a doctor or specialist near you, visit www.CyFairHospital.com/Physician or call 1-800-681-2733.
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