Vim & Vigor - Summer 2018 - Community Healthcare - 41

Test Your
READINESS

To be sure you're safe to
exercise, it's always smart to test your
cardiovascular fitness. "A simple treadmill test is generally adequate and
advised in most cases of people who've
had heart disease, valvular disease,
blockages, coronary artery disease or
a combination of these," Fletcher says.
You can probably be tested in your
cardiologist's office or at a hospital.

Seek
SUPERVISION

If possible, begin in an exercise program prescribed and supervised
by a physician or nurse for the first 12
weeks or so, Fletcher says. For people
who aren't able to participate in a supervised program, he recommends starting
with slow walking or stationary cycling
in a health club once your care provider
clears you for exercise.

Use Your
Medications
AS PRESCRIBED

Taking medications at the wrong time of
day can have negative effects on your
workouts, Fletcher says. For example,
statin drugs prescribed for high cholesterol and beta-blockers used to treat
high blood pressure may cause drowsiness and should be taken at night.
"But many people don't take them at
the proper time and may have reactions
during exercise," Fletcher says. "And
some people don't take their medications at all, which is unfortunate because
they can be truly lifesaving drugs."

Focus on
AEROBIC
ACTIVITY

Stationary cycling and walking are two of
the simplest and safest forms of aerobic

exercise, which works to strengthen
your heart. "Swimming is also great,
and a lot of people prefer it because
of the low impact," Fletcher says.

Be Cautious
About WEIGHT
TRAINING

Weights put excessive pressure on
your chest and heart and cause more
strain than aerobic exercise, Fletcher
says. So, if you're going to work out
with weights, clear it with your doctor
first and follow his or her instructions
to the letter.

Be Mindful of the
WEATHER

Always ask your care provider before exercising outdoors in
extreme (hot or cold) weather. Avoid
excessive heat by exercising in the
morning or evening. If it's cold out,
keep your nose and mouth covered.
On days when it's simply too hot or
too cold, stroll your local mall in
climate-controlled comfort.

Pack Your
NITROGLYCERIN

Your doctor might have
prescribed nitroglycerin (via tablets
or spray form) to ease or prevent
chest pain. Always bring yours when
you exercise, in case of a cardiac
event. For most people who use caution, take medications and follow a
care provider's advice, working out
shouldn't be worrisome, Fletcher says.
"I have patients who say, 'I've got
a heart problem; I can't exercise.'
But that's not true. If it's properly
prescribed and supervised, it can be
very safe and effective," he says. "Life
can be a long time if you take care of
yourself and take the advice of your
healthcare provider." ■

THE PERFECT
FITNESS
PRESCRIPTION
Heart patients can receive a personalized exercise program with help from
the credentialed MedFit professionals
at Community Hospital Fitness Pointe®.
A MedFit membership provides an
evidence-based program tailored to individuals with medical needs.
"MedFit is an excellent transition for
those who have recently completed a
cardiovascular rehabilitation program,"
says Nikki Sarkisian, Fitness Pointe program manager. "They can still receive
guidance from a healthcare professional while engaging in an independent
exercise regime."
Participants meet with a health coach
who devises an exercise plan customized
to their abilities. Patients receive a free
blood pressure reading each visit, along
with health coaching and the opportunity
to receive free lab draws twice a year.
"A summary report is generated
and sent to the participant's physician
throughout the year," says Sarkisian.
"This ensures the provider is up to date
on their patient's exercise history."

WEBSITE

Take the
Next Step
Set up a free consultation
to learn how the medical fitness professionals at Fitness
Pointe can help you become
healthier. A physician
referral is required. Find
a referral form online
at fitnesspointe.org/
become-a-member/medfit.

SU MM E R 2018

41
http://www.fitnesspointe.org/become-a-member/medfit http://www.fitnesspointe.org/become-a-member/medfit
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