Almost anyone, at any age, can improve his or her health by doing some type of activity. But, check with your doctor first if you plan to do strenuous activity (the kind that makes you breathe hard and sweat) and you are a man over 40 or a woman over 50. Your doctor might be able to give you a go-ahead over the phone, or he or she might ask you to come in for a visit.

You can still exercise even if you have a long-term condition like heart disease or diabetes. In fact, physical activity may help your illness, but only if it’s done during times when your condition is under control. During flare-ups, exercise could be harmful. If you have any of the following problems, it’s important to check with your doctor before starting an exercise program:

a chronic disease, or a high risk of getting one—for example, if you smoke, if you are obese, or if you have a family history of a long-term disease
any new symptom you haven’t talked about with your doctor
chest pain
shortness of breath
the feeling that your heart is skipping, racing, or fluttering
blood clots
infections or fever
unplanned weight loss
foot or ankle sores that won’t heal
joint swelling
pain or trouble walking after you’ve fallen
a bleeding or detached retina, eye surgery, or laser treatment
a hernia
hip surgery
Content Courtesy : www.niapublications.org
^{The information provided herein is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.}