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A quarterly newsletter published by New Mexico Senior Olympics, Inc.


New Mexico Senior Olympics, Inc. January 2003

 Exercising while Sick...

should you, or
shouldn’t you?

As Senior athletes, you are probably already aware that regular exercise helps prevent illness and infection by boosting your immune system. This time of year however, even the healthiest and fittest of us can succumb to colds, flu, or other minor illnesses. If that happens, can exercise compromise the body’s healing process?

Health experts say that if you are experiencing symptoms above the neck, such as runny nose, sore throat, or sneezing, moderate exercise is probably safe. The key is moderation. Reduce the duration and intensity of your exercise session if you experience above the neck symptoms. However, if you have a fever or symptoms below the neck, such as extreme tiredness, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, swollen lymph glands, or a hacking cough, you’ll want to rest and avoid exercise until you’re feeling better. You may have to wait up to two weeks before you can resume your exercise regimen depending on the severity of your symptoms and doctors recommendation. Once you resume your physical activity, go easy and limit the duration and intensity of your exercise routine to give your body a chance to recuperate. .


SOURCES:

IDEA Health and Fitness Association, http://www.ideafit.com/ftsept.htm.

The Physician and Sportsmedicine: Sports and Exercise During Acute Illness: Recommending the Right Course for Patients

 

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