Community Corner

The Skinny on Medical Conditions and Exercise

A Wesley Chapel-based physician offers some health tips.

When it comes to exercise, Dr. Jonathan Phillips often hears excuses from patients with medical conditions.

“They say, ‘I can’t’ or ‘I don’t think it’s a good idea,’” said Phillips, a family medical physician at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel’s Health & Wellness Center. But “there is a light at the end of the tunnel if they keep going. Keeping going is the key to longevity.”

Phillips, who also holds a certificate of added qualification in sports medicine, gave a talk not too long ago at Florida Hospital about medical conditions and exercise, focusing on concerns such as asthma, hypertension, arthritis and diabetes. He recently shared some tips with Patch.

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“First and foremost is to get informed,” he said. “Have as much information up front as possible.” 

That includes finding out what type of exercise will work best for you, taking into consideration your medication, current level of fitness, age and other matters. It is a good idea to see your doctor for a checkup before hitting the weights and treadmill, too. 

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“And if you are over 50 and sedentary, it is recommended you get an (electrocardiogram) to evaluate your heart,” Phillips added. “A lot of people miss that.”

OTHER TIPS

  • Be consistent and patient: Take it slow and move forward. Realize that for a typical 40-year-old, it will take about three months to get in shape but general exercise physiology is different for someone with a medical condition. “It could be double that for you,” Phillips said.
  • Mind the joints: If you have arthritis, protect your joints. Make sure you walk on flat surfaces and have proper footwear. Don’t forget to stretch either!
  • Asthma: If prone to attacks, take an inhaler 10 minute before the start of exercise to reduce bronchial spasms.
  • Respect the pain: “The phrase ‘No pain, no gain’ is not the best thing to follow,” Phillips said. “There is a difference between paint and soreness.”
  • Keep moving: Modify the disease and don’t let the disease run you. “We are the folks who can help ourselves,” Phillips said.

For additional questions and tips, speak with your own health care provider. You can also visit the Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Health & Wellness Center website.

Do you have tips to share? Tell us by commenting below!


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