Health & Nutrition Health and Nutrition - February 2018.edcoan.ir | Page 59

Do chronic
conditions
keep you from
exercising?
I
f you have a chronic condition,
you may be using that fact as
a crutch to avoid exercising. But
regular physical activity can actually
improve your quality of life if you
have arthritis, diabetes, heart
disease, or even Parkinson’s disease.
It may even keep you from
getting other related conditions.
For example, if you are unable
to do aerobic exercise, you may
still be able to do some strength
training, which has been shown
to stave off diabetes. Talk to your
doctor about your limitations,
then get advice from a physical
therapist to come up with a
routine that can get you moving,
no matter what your ailment.
Sneak more
movement
1. When watching TV, stand up and
move about during commercials –
march in place or tidy up the room.
2. Combine your exercise time with
screen time. Set up a treadmill or
exercise bike near the TV and run
or spin as you catch up on your
TV viewing.
3. Iron or fold laundry while
watching TV.
4. Keep a pair of light dumbbells
next to your chair and lift them
as you watch TV.
5. Set a reminder to get up and
move around the room at least
once an hour.
6. Stand up or stroll while talking
on the phone.
7. When reading a book, get up
and move around each time you
finish a chapter.
8. Forgo the dishwasher. Stand at
the sink to wash and dry dishes
by hand.
9. Attack housework vigorously
– stretch and lift as you scrub,
mop, or vacuum.
10. Walk your dog an extra block.
11. Take your young grandchildren
to the playground, where you
can engage in activities like
pushing them on a swing.
12. Stand as you read your daily
newspaper – or magazine.
HEALTH & NUTRITION February 2018 59