Chronic diseases don’t discriminate and can affect people of all ages, genders and ethnicities. Anyone living with a chronic condition and those caring for them will be well aware that daily life can be challenging.
This is where exercise and physical activity can be very beneficial. No matter what the chronic condition, a chronic disease management plan that incorporates physical activity will provide a number of benefits.
Why Exercise and Physical Activity Are Important
Let’s now discover why exercise and physical activity are important components of any chronic disease support program:
- For truly effective chronic disease management, the program must include some form of physical activity so the client gets vital exercise. Everyone needs exercise to be as fit and healthy as possible and this includes individuals living with a chronic disease.
- The more mobile a person is, the more chance there is of improving the chronic condition and even extending life expectancy.
- Improving muscle tone, physical mobility and general fitness is just one outcome of a regular exercise regime. Physical activity is just as vital for positive mental health. Exercise will improve a person’s mental wellbeing exponentially.
- Another important point to note for anyone not living with a chronic disease is that exercise and ongoing physical activity can actually help prevent the onset of a chronic condition.
How Exercise Benefits Chronic Conditions
How does exercise benefit various chronic conditions? Let’s briefly look at a few examples.
- Arthritis: Exercise improves joint mobility and muscle strength and can also reduce joint pain and stiffness.
- Cancer: Not only is fitness improved for those living with cancer (or people who have had cancer) but quality of life and extended life expectancy is enhanced.
- Back Pain: Exercise for people with back pain should be low-impact. Regular light aerobic exercises, stretching and walking are all helpful for general fitness and relieving back pain symptoms.
- Diabetes: Blood sugar levels can be lowered with regular exercise. Physical activity also helps to boost energy levels and maintain an ideal weight for those with diabetes.
- Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis results in the thinning and weakening of bones. Weight training and fast walking will help strengthen bones and slow bone loss.
- Heart Disease: Regular exercise for those living with heart disease can lower the risk of the condition becoming worse and also lower the risk of passing away from heart disease.
- Depression and Anxiety: All forms of physical activity help to improve mood and mental wellbeing.
Best Types of Exercise and Physical Activity
The exact type of exercise and the duration will be determined by both the condition itself and the judgement of your home care services professional. Some examples of effective exercise include:
1. Cardio & Aerobic Activity
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Casual or brisk walking
- Dancing
- Gardening & yard work
- Following along with aerobics videos
2. Strength Training
- Weight training with free weights or machines
- Carrying heavy loads
- Rigorous yard work
- Carrying bags of groceries
- Isometric exercises (strength training without weights)
The Role Home Nursing Services Will Play
Chronic disease management services are something you should seriously consider to improve quality of life and home care services in Sydney can play a pivotal role in managing and implementing an appropriate exercise routine.
Your carer can develop a routine for exercise and physical activity that’s tailored to your needs, one that will improve your condition, increase your fitness and enhance your overall wellbeing and life quality.
During your workouts or other physical activities, a home carer will supervise you and offer physical and emotional support as required to ensure you get the most out of your exercise periods. Many chronic conditions come with associated pain which can make exercising more difficult and uncomfortable. Effective pain management may be necessary. This will be implemented by your home care professional, enabling you to exercise more freely, boost your strength and improve your condition.
Final Words
For anyone living with a chronic condition, your overall quality of life can be vastly improved with the implementation of a regular exercise schedule. Start out slow and easy and build it up as your fitness level and mobility improve.
For best results, seek the assistance of a home care professional to help you devise an appropriate action plan and implement it in a manner that will deliver the best results