Are you considering adding exercise to your daily routine or significantly increasing your level of activity? Talk to your doctor about the exercises and physical activities that are best for you.

Older adults or those with medical conditions may want to specifically consult with their healthcare provider or their Trellus Health Care Team to ensure their exercise routine is safe for them.

During your appointment, consider asking the following questions.

1. Are there any exercises or activities I should avoid?  

Your healthcare provider can make recommendations based on your health history, keeping in mind any recent surgeries or ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease.

This would be a great time to check with your doctor about any unexplained symptoms you’ve been experiencing, such as chest pain or pressure, joint pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Your provider may recommend postponing exercise until the problem is diagnosed and treated.

2. Is my preventive care up to date?  

Your doctor can tell you if there are any tests you might need before starting a new exercise routine. For example, women over age 65 should be checked regularly for osteoporosis.

3. How does my health condition affect my ability to exercise?  

Some health conditions can affect your exercise routine. For example, people with arthritis may need to avoid some types of activity, especially when joints are swollen or inflamed. Those with diabetes may need to adjust their daily schedule, meal plan, or medications when planning exercise to prevent blood sugar highs or lows. For IBD, certain foods, meal timing, or flares can impact how and when you may exercise.

Your provider can talk to you about any adjustments you need to make to ensure that you get the most out of your new exercise routine.

Source: NIH National Institute on Aging