Are you ready to start a new exercise plan? Get a physical before you begin. For more information, call us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Coral Springs, Parkland, Tamarac, Margate, North Lauderdale, and Coconut Creek, FL.
If you’re ready to embark on a new exercise plan, be sure to get a physical before you do. Once you enter your mid-30s, your heart, lungs, and other joints gradually decline in health. Some age-related changes can lead to arthritis and high blood pressure, which can affect how well you exercise. Here are two conditions to check for before you start any exercise plan.
Arthritis
If you’re beginning to notice small aches and pains in your knees, hips, or feet, don’t ignore them. These could be early signs of arthritis – a joint condition affecting over 50 million people in the U.S. Over time, arthritis causes swelling and stiffness in your joints.
Arthritis can make it difficult to exercise, run, or play sports. As inflammation progresses, you may slow down or stop exercising altogether. A lack of exercise can lead to obesity, heart problems, and muscle weakness.
A physical can detect even small signs of joint deterioration and inflammation. Doctors can use blood tests to locate antibodies in your blood that indicate joint inflammation. These antibodies can also help determine the type of arthritis you have, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA occurs when your immune system attacks the tissues around your joints and can potentially damage your lungs, eyes, heart, and other areas of the body.
RA is aggressive, so it’s important to detect, diagnose, and treat it early. Treatment may include medications to suppress the immune system and fight inflammation. Doctors often recommend specific exercise plans to keep patients healthy, including yoga, Pilates, and other low-impact exercises to strengthen joints and improve overall fitness.
Blood Pressure
Your blood pressure is crucial to your cardiovascular health. High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other conditions, and it can increase your heart rate during exercise.
If your blood pressure is too high, it can cause your arteries to weaken, making it harder for blood to flow through them. This can affect your ability to exercise, especially with aerobics or running, as damaged blood vessels make it harder to breathe and get enough oxygen during physical activity.
Doctors can check your blood pressure during a physical. If your readings are higher than 120/80, you may have high blood pressure. Depending on your age and sex, doctors may recommend medications, dietary changes, and low-impact exercises to improve circulation and reduce the strain on your heart.
If you’re ready for a comprehensive physical and exam, visit us at the Family Medicine Walk-In Center today.