Article by Jeffrey E. Feldberg

For many people exercise means getting outside of the home and driving to the local gym. Perhaps it means going to the local recreation center and swimming laps or taking an aerobics class. Because this is such a widely held perception many people simply don’t get the exercise they so desperately need. For the diabetes patient, daily exercise and attention to the right diet are just as important in overall health management as are reliable, quality diabetic supplies. Understanding how to integrate these two components into their health care plan along with medications and diabetic testing supplies is important for patients who want to play an active role in management of health and lifestyle. To borrow from a famous expression, “knowledge is power”. When it comes to managing diabetes, finding good, clear and expert information on how to exercise is invaluable, especially for those who don’t like the idea of jogging through their neighborhood or sweating it out at the local gym. Let’s show how easy it can be to get the essential exercise a person with diabetes needs right in and around the house. Once this piece of the puzzle is in place, patients can move beyond just relying on diabetes supplies to keep track of blood glucose levels and into an active role taking control over their health.

Different types of activities can be enjoyed at home. The key is to investigate more than a few options and try out those things that seem enjoyable to the individual. Exercise should be fun. If daily exercise is viewed as a chore, there is a high likelihood that there will be no motivation to fully commit to this aspect of diabetes management.

Here are a few ideas of exercises to be enjoyed at home: • Fitness video games.! The video games of today have evolved into games that the whole family can enjoy. More than that, several popular brands, such as Wii with its Wii Fit game, have developed games that get the viewer up and moving. Check out some of the games available and try those that appeal. Video games involving exercise may range from aerobic exercise to yoga. • Work out with a partner. Work out with a spouse or friend, or with a DVD. DVD’s are available for yoga, Thai Chi, even dance or strength training. With such a wide variety of DVDs on the market, there is every possibility patients with diabetes will find something they would like to do and enjoy doing. • Play with the kids, grandkids or the family pet. Kids and animals love to be active, and their energy can be a motivating factor to exercise. Options include playing tag or taking everyone for a walk through the nearest park. Valuable exercise is gained even by walking the dog to the corner and back. This is a free activity that takes only a few minutes, gets the patient out into the fresh air, and gets the body moving. • Cleaning house counts as exercise too. Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming all require the patient to move around, which gets the heart rate up and sometimes may even work muscles mostly dormant. The side benefit of a nice clean home shouldn’t be overlooked!

Diabetes management consists of more essential elements than may at first be obvious – the health care plan and team, meters and test strips, diet, daily exercise and preventative measures. Patients should be encouraged to mine the wealth of free information available when purchasing diabetic supplies online and benefit from a well-rounded approach in which they learn more about their body and how diet and exercise play a significant role in managing health. Essential exercise can be done at home – yet more options for people with diabetes to enjoy life!

About the Author

Jeffrey E. Feldberg is one of the founders of Total Health Diabetes, LLC and the Co-Chairman. Jeffrey’s passion for healthy living, being an early pioneer of e-Learning, and being submersed in technology, has culminated in an unique approach to provide the tools, Information and products necessary to help diabetics lead long, healthy and vibrant lives. Total Health Diabetes, a Medicare Competitive Bid winner in 8 of the 9 regions, also services all non-competitive bid markets and is committed to providing a full line of diabetics supplies that are accessible online and conveniently delivered to people’s homes across the country.

Jeffrey can be reached at (407) 767-5907 or email him at jeffreyfeldberg@totalhealthdiabetes.com

Tagged with: around • Beyond • Diabetic • Essentials • Exercise • House • Supplies

Filed under: Diabetes and Exercise

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