This post is meant to help you the dialysis patient live strong and well and overcome challenges you may be facing
Why is exercise important to me?
No matter how old you are, exercise can make you stronger, more flexible. If you stay fit, you will be more able to do things, like go food shopping or visit friends. Think of your body as a rechargeable battery. It helps control blood pressure, too. If you are diabetic, exercise can lower blood sugar. It aids circulation and helps you sleep. Exercise can also help keep your bones healthy. Exercise can fight depression and help you feel more positive about your life.
How should I start to exercise?
First, tell your doctor that you want to exercise. He or she can make sure you do not have any special problems that would be made worse by a workout. After checking with your doctor, write down a goal you would like to reach. Goals might be walking around the street without stopping, bike riding with your family, shopping at the mall with a friend, or going dancing. Make an exercise plan that will work for you. Write down how often you will exercise, what time of day, and for how long. Start with small blocks of time, like 10 minutes every other day. Increase it by a minute or two each week.
How will I know exercise is helping?
It can take a few weeks or a few months—to feel better with exercise. Keep track of when you exercised, what you did, and how it felt. You will be able to see your progress. This can keep you from getting discouraged. Once you reach your goal, set a new one. Exercise should become a long-term habit.
Can people in wheelchairs exercise?
Yes. There are many stretching and strengthening exercises that can be done in a chair.
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