|
Dear Diabetes Educator:
My doctor says I have to start exercising for my diabetes to improve. I
don’t know what to do. I have never been athletic
and I am not sure where to start. Can you help me?
You do not have to train like an athlete does. Start slow
with a walk around the block or to the corner and back. Each
day lengthen the distance and/or the amount of time you spend walking. Before
you know it, you will be doing at least 30 minutes a day!
The American Council on Exercise and the American Diabetes Association
both recommend that people spend 30 minutes a day (most days of
the week) doing a moderate intensity activity. This means
walking at a pace that gets your heart beating a little faster,
but not getting out of breath. Another option may be riding a bicycle;
strolling or riding along the beachfront or at one of the many
beautiful parks in the area. Making your outing as enjoyable
as possible may even make you forget that you are exercising!
Exercise needs to be considered a part of your treatment for Diabetes. It
not only improves your blood glucose numbers, but helps you lose
weight, improves lung capacity, and helps improve cardiovascular
conditions such as high blood pressure. Most of all, exercise
can just make you feel good mentally, physically and spiritually!
Spring is here. It's a great time to get outside and walk!
For further information about diabetes and exercise or to register
for Kimball’s Diabetes Support Group or Diabetes Self-Management
Class, please call the Barnabas Health Care Link at
1-888-724-7123.
Date: March 25, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@barnabashealth.org
[ top ] [ Back
to News Index ] |
