Sky Lakes Medical Center | Live Smart | Fall 2018

Do you dislike exercise but wish you didn’t? Before you give up on getting active— and its many rewards— see if these tips help you find your affection for fitness. Pick an easy exercise. Walking is super simple. And it’s really good for you. Take a 5- or 10-minute stroll to begin, and then gradually work your way up to longer jaunts. Walking for 30 minutes a day is great for heart health. Exercise with an enthusiast. Go with someone who already exercises—and enjoys it. Watch out! Their passion for fitness may be contagious. Stream your next workout. Short on time? Don’t want to leave your house or visit a gym? Exercise with a fitness video from a streaming service. 6 LIVE smart | Fall 2018 Don’t call it exercise. What you’re after is an active lifestyle—and fun and games count. Walk around the neighborhood. Dance—like nobody’s watching—for 10 minutes. Ride bikes with your kids. Cater to your inner social butterfly—or your lone wolf. If you like to mingle, consider taking a fitness class or walking with a group. If you’re shy, solo workouts may be more to your liking. Challenge yourself. Whether that’s walking a little farther every week or finishing—or winning!—a 5K race, your goal will help keep you going. Spin it positively. If exercise seems more like drudgery than delight, try thinking of exercise as something you get to do— not something you have to do. Sources: American Heart Association; American College of Sports Medicine Think you don’t like exercise? These tips may change your mind It’s best to check in with your doctor before beginning a vigorous exercise program. stable unstable getting worse seriously ill MY DOCTOR VISIT CHECKLIST This checklist can help you communicate better with your doctor. Fill it out and take it with you to your appointment. You might also use it to prepare for calls to your doctor’s office about your care. The reason for my visit I am most concerned about _________________________. What the doctor needs to know I have these new or worsening symptoms: ________________________________________________. My health has changed recently (taking new medications, recovering from surgery, etc.): ________________________________________________. I have these limitations (poor vision, difficulty walking, memory problems, etc.): ________________________________________________. Your health/treatment Questions to ask Do you have any follow-up instructions for me? Can I get those in writing? When will I get the test results from my visit? When should I schedule my next appointment? When should I expect to see improvement? If there is no improvement, what should I do? How should I contact you if I have questions after this visit? Staying well Questions to ask Does my family health history raise my risk for any health problems? What vaccines, screenings or medical tests do I need? What are some steps you think I should take to stay healthy? I feel Available online! Print extra copies of this checklist or share it with friends and family. Find it at SkyLakes.org/Checklist . Need emergency care? Call 911.