EXERCISE FOR YOUR HEALTH AND VITALITY

Exercise is a well known strengthening and rehabilitation tool. We all need to exercise especially with the advancing age. As we age, we begin to loose the much needed flexibility and strength of our muscles and ligaments. This may contribute to incomplete healing if you are injured and you will be more likely to injure yourself again in the future. Exercise will increase your health and endurance and help to prevent injury.

There are some basic rules about exercise that you need to observe when beginning an exercise program or if you want to modify an existing exercise strategy.

1. A exercise program is a gradual process that should be planned over a several month period. During this time, the number of repetitions ( times you do each exercise) and the amount of weight you are using, should be increased gradually. If you are not using weight, then perhaps the length of time you hold a particular exercise movement should be gradually lengthened.
2. You should avoid straining your body during the exercise movement. This is especially important if you have recently injured yourself and the soft tissues are damaged or weak. Once ligaments and tendons have been injured, they are like a rubberband that has been stretched. These tissues need special care to recover properly to avoid re-injury. The phrase "no sweat, no gain", is not appropriate here. We want gradual results that lasts a lifetime.
3. Obviously, exercise is only effective if you fully participate in the total rehabilitation program. You may notice only slow gains at first, but if you stick with the program, you will meet your objectives.
4. If you have questions, do not be afraid to ASK the staff at OCI. It is most important that you perform the exercises properly to achieve maximum benefits. An exercise that is done incorrectly could be detrimental to your healing process.
5. Exercise is very important to the entire family. Involve your family in your home exercise program to ensure that you will do your exercises and that everyone will benefit from them. Prevention is the best way to avoid injury, weakness and even the effects of arthritis, age-related stiffness or recurrence.
6. Proper nutrition and good eating habits are also very important to your recovery and strengthening process. Begin to strengthen your eating habits as you strengthen your body.
7. Naturally, smoking is OUT. Take this opportunity to kick the habit and to develop healthy ones.
8. Most importantly, enjoy yourself. This is the opportunity to give yourself a "Free Gift" of health and life.

Provided to you by Dr. Elliot Diamond
For additional information, contact OCI