Healthwise

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Planning to Be More Active When You Have Chronic Disease

Overview

Use this sheet to list what you enjoy and what is hard for you. You and your doctor can use this information to come up with an activity plan.

How active are you? Describe what you do to stretch, strengthen, and move your body. Write down how often and how long you do each activity.

What would you like to do? List ways you might like to get more active. And think of someone you can buddy up with for exercise.

What gets in your way? Which of the problems below are you worried about when it comes to getting more active? How might you handle these problems? Who can help you?


Breathing trouble, balance problems, or pain


Hurting yourself


Feeling tired or depressed


Trouble with daily tasks


Problems with money, time, or travel


Something else

What medical problems are you dealing with? List all of the health problems you are having.

Some questions for your doctor:

  • Do I need any special tests before I begin a new activity?
  • What is safe for me to do? What should I avoid?
  • Should I take my pulse when I exercise? If so, what range is best?
  • Should I make any medicine changes?

Write down any other questions you might have about getting more active. Talk to your doctor about them at your next visit.

What is your plan for getting more active over the next week? People tend to have more success with long-term goals that are broken into small, short-term goals. You can boost your chances of success in two more ways: include friends and family you can count on for support and reward yourself for the positive changes you are making.

What is your plan for being active 3 months from now?

Credits

Current as of: August 6, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Due to the threat of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), we are taking precautionary measures to protect our staff and patients. We are implementing a temporary NO VISITOR policy at this time. Only patients or patients and their guardians will be allowed into the office. Please note, this is not to inconvenience anyone! The virus is a very real threat and it is essential that we stay healthy in order to provide needed care for our patients. If you are sick, we ask that you CALL the office to speak with a nurse before you come in. The nurse will provide specific instructions for you. Please DO NOT enter the office if you are sick (upper respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, or flu like symptoms). We are closely monitoring the situation and will update you as circumstances change. Thank you for your understanding!!