Staying Healthy
Staying Healthy
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Make Exercise Part of Your Every Day

No need to take up a sport or join a gym—exercise is any kind of physical activity, so don’t think you can’t do it. Simply taking a walk is exercise that provides you with immediate and ongoing benefits.

Doing just a little more physical activity every day is great for your health—and getting into a regular exercise routine is even better. Of course, you should always talk to your doctor before beginning any kind of exercise program.
Aerobic activity.
From stretching while watching TV to more aerobic activities like swimming, physical exercise offers these benefits:

  • Enhances your mood
  • Helps your body become stronger
  • Increases flexibility 
  • Relieves stress

Simple steps to get started

  1. Choose an activity you’ll enjoy. This is absolutely the number-one thing to consider. You’re much more likely to keep doing something you love.
  2. Start slowly and sensibly. You don’t have to run a marathon on your first day. Just dedicate 10 or 15 minutes to something as simple as walking around your neighborhood or actively cleaning your house—and build from there.
  3. Exercise with a friend. You can motivate each other—the buddy system really works.
  4. Use a smartphone or pedometer. Consider wearing a pedometer or downloading an app to track your exercise progress and provide encouragement to keep you going.
  5. Set goals and reward yourself for reaching them!

Activities to try 3 times per week:

Aerobic activities include swimming, walking, bowling, stretching, tennis, pilates and more.

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Home dialysis can mean fewer food restrictions, less medication, and more flexibility with treatment schedules.
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“I love going to Lake Okeechobee. I still do the things I like to do.”

—Ron, on dialysis until transplant in 2018
Watch Ron’s Dialysis Story

How much exercise is too much?

It’s great that you’re exercising but don’t overdo it. Before you start any kind of exercise program, ask your doctor what level and types of fitness are right for you. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any pain or swelling, nausea, blurred vision, shortness of breath or irregular heartbeats and/or chest, neck or jaw pain.