Exercise

Who is it for?

Everyone can benefit from exercise, but you should always first speak with your doctor before you start, change, or stop any part of your healthcare plan, including physical activity or exercise. Reading health and exercise information online may be helpful, but it can’t replace the professional diagnosis and treatment you might need from a qualified healthcare provider. Your doctor will assess your current health status and inform you of any precautions you should take.

Your doctor may discuss the following with you:

• If you have a history of heart disease, your doctor may want you to have a stress test prior to starting physical activity. A stress test monitors and records your heart’s electrical activity during exercise to determine the effects of exercise on the rate and rhythm of your heart.
• You may have conditions that prevent you from lifting or pushing heavy objects such as weight lifting, shoveling, raking, mowing, and scrubbing. Your doctor can advise you of any limitations you have during physical activity.
• Your doctor can also help you decide which exercises are safe and may refer you to other qualified health professionals (for example, a physical therapist or an exercise physiologist) for guidance.