Do I need to see my doctor before I begin exercising? 

Although for the majority of people, it is more dangerous to not exercise than it is to exercise, there are some conditions that put people at risk when they do exercise.

If you answer yes to at least one question in two or more of the following categories, it is important that you get clearance from your physician before you start an exercise program:

 1.         FAMILY HISTORY

            Did your mother, sister, or daughter have a heart attack, bypass surgery, or

sudden death before the age of 65?

Did your father, brother, or son have a heart attack, bypass surgery, or

sudden death before the age of 65?

 2.         CIGARETTE SMOKING

Do you smoke cigarettes or have you quit within the last 6 months?

 3.         BLOOD PRESSURE

Is you the top number of your blood pressure over 140?  Is the lower number over 80?

 4.         CHOLESTEROL

            Is your total cholesterol over 200?

            Is your HDL (high-density lipoprotein) under 35?

            Is your LDL (low-density lipoprotein) over 130?

 5.         GLUCOSE

            Is your fasting blood glucose > 110 (measured on 2 separate occasions)?

6.         OBESITY

            Is your waist greater than 100cm?

 7.         SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE

            Do you get less than 30 minutes of accumulated activity on most days of the

week?

 8.         AGE

            Are you a male over 45 or a female over 55?

 EXTRA CREDIT!              If you can answer yes to the following question, you can wipe out one of your “yes” in one category above. 

            Is your HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol >60?

  What Should I Do If I Have More Than  One “Yes”? 

If you answered “yes” to more than one of the categories above, call your primary care physician and set up an appointment for:

·        a complete physical

·        a complete fasting blood lipid profile, including glucose (this will require a 12-hour fast)

·        any other test which you may not be up-to-date on (i.e. colonoscopy, bone density, mammogram, pap smear, etc.)

Congratulations on your steps toward a healthier, more active lifestyle.  If you have more questions on getting started, don’t hesistate to post your question.

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