Health Tip: Exercise for People With Disabilities

It's especially important

(HealthDayNews) -- Exercise is good for everybody, but it's especially important for people with disabilities, since they often have less-active lifestyles.

Regular exercise improves lung and heart function, protects against development of chronic diseases, decreases anxiety and depression, controls weight, and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, says the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability.

If you're disabled, consult your doctor before you start an exercise program. Find out about any potential effects of medications on exercise. If possible, you should also have a trained exercise professional develop a personal exercise program for you.

Set realistic short- and long-term exercise goals. Wear appropriate clothing, drink plenty of fluids and stop exercising if you experience pain, discomfort, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or clammy hands.

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