These exercise addicts and some professional athletes who think missing an exercise session will spell doom to their dreams will call you at the first glim of light to find out if it’s okay for them to exercise.

My rule of thumb is; exercise should make you better so avoid if it will worsen your state. Also if you have an illness that could be infective such as a common cold kindly do others a favour and exercise outdoors.

We are aware that moderate intensity exercise increases ones immunity and helps ward off viral illnesses including the common cold but once you have the infection I doubt that spending a lifetime in the gym or outdoors jogging will make a difference. Sometimes what you need is some rest instead of puffing, sneezing, coughing and barely being able to drag oneself through an exercise session.

Dominique Groom in her article does a great job of summarizing instances where one may go ahead and exercise as well as those that are a total no go area and I refer to a number of them here.

1. SAFE to work out
   1. When symptoms are above the neck such as sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, tearing eyes, itching throat and ears
2. NOT safe to work out
   1. Symptoms below the neck such as severe chest pain, chest pain associated with breathing, coughing, body aches, shallow breaths, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, malaria etc.
3. DEFINITELY AVOID working out
   1. An acute asthmatic attack is definitely no time to flex your muscles or put your heart and lungs in overdrive.
   2. Finally DO NOT exercise if your healthcare professional asks you to take time off based on your health condition.

Whenever in doubt ask a professional whether it’s safe to exercise.

ALWAYS REMEMBER that “exercise was made for man and not man for exercise.” You have to stay safe to be able to exercise. Sometimes taking a short break will help you heal faster so that you can return to your “addiction” sooner.

Now to my friends who are always looking for a new innovative Exercise Excuse, let us do ourselves a favour and spend more time exercising instead of being at peace with our beds or couch.

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel

St. Andrews Clinic/Health Essentials Ltd

(www.healthclubsgh.com)

Dr. Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy and fitness nutrition.

Thought for the week – “For heart health you need to relax and have fun as well; schedule time for leisure, laugh often, learn to breathe deeply and maybe get a pet.”

References:

• ISSA Newsletter; “Should your client exercise while sick?” by Dominique Groom. Certified ISSA Trainer