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| Staying Active: Staying Safe |
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Check with your doctor |
Talk to your doctor before starting to be physically active.
If you have high blood pressure, or have had heart, lung, or kidney
problems this is even more important.
Your doctor can help you create a physical activity plan and will give
you useful information.
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Watch what you wear |
Dress for the activity you are doing
- Wear lightweight clothing in hot weather.
- Wear warm, protective clothing in cold weather.
- Try not to wear clothing that is too tight because just like
you need air to breathe, so does your skin.
- Make sure you wear good shoes for the activity you are about
to do. For example, sandals do not provide proper foot support
if you are about to go running.
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Drink plenty of water |
It is important to drink water before, during,
and after physical activity. Without enough water, you could get dizzy or
even pass out. |
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Fuel your body |
Fuel your body before being physically active. Doing physical activity on an empty stomach won't allow your body to work its hardest and might cause you to tire quickly or feel dizzy or faint. The best time to be active is 2-3 hours after eating.
If you eat too quickly before or after you are active, you may feel stomach cramping or nausea, since the body is sending blood to your muscles rather than helping you to digest the food you have eaten. If you eat before activity, try eating carbohydrates, such as bread, grains, or pasta, as these can be digested by your body more quickly than protein or fats. |
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Prevent injury |
Stretch muscles after your warm-up and when you are finished being active. This will prevent your body from having muscle aches.
If you do not know how to do an exercise correctly, ask someone! Friends can be great resources.
If you are in pain or feeling sick during your physical activity program, STOP! Pay attention to your body. You could possibly be injured. See a doctor right away if you think something is wrong. If have injured yourself, do not do any activities that might hurt your injury. Wait until you are healed. |
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Be safe |
For some activities, you should use safety gear. For example, if you are bicycle riding outdoors, wear a helmet. Learn what things you can do to make your activities safe and fun!
Also, when outside, be aware of what is around you. Watch for things such as traffic, traffic lights, and uneven ground. |
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