For most people living with one or more health conditions, being physical active is safe. Evidence shows the benefits out-weight the risks.
Benefits of being physically active include:
- Management of existing health conditions
- Improved mental health by reducing anxiety and depression
- Improved cardiovascular and brain health
- Lowered risk of developing other health conditions (e.g. type 2 diabetes, some cancers)
Outlined below is practical information and advice to help plan and start your activity.
Planning my activity – getting started
Starting a physical activity programme can be daunting and difficult. If you are at all worries about your symptoms, please speak to your health professional before you start.
It is helpful to select an activity you can:
- Enjoy (e.g. with a friend)
- Build into your routine
- Start slowly, and build on gradually. For example, replace sitting with standing time or go for a short 5-10 minute walk.
A number of national organisations provide condition specific advice about being more physically active.
| CONDITION | SUPPORT AND ADVICE | LOCAL PROGRAMME |
| ASTHMA AND LUNG UK | click here | click here
Active Communities – Recommended starter classes: · Gentle Movement Classes · Chair based yoga |
| ARTHIRTUS | click here | |
| BLIND | click here | |
| CANCER | click here. | |
| CHEST HEART AND STROKE | click here. | |
| CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)
|
click here | |
| DIABETES UK | click here | |
| DEMENTIA | click here | |
| MENOPAUSE
|
click here | |
| MENTAL HEALTH | click here | active communities
Mindful Movement Poster |
| MS SOCIETY | click here | active communities |
| OSTEOPOROSIS
|
click here | active communities |
| PARKINSONS | click here | active communities |
| PODIATRY | click here | |
| STROKE ASSOCIATION | click here | active communities |
| Do you require support to be physically active? | Recommended activities to get you started | More Information |
| YES | If you need some help and support to be more active, all health professionals in Dumfries and Galloway can refer you to the Active Lives Pathway. The Active Lives Pathway is a free referral programmes of community physical activity delivered in local leisure facilities, community centres and village halls regionally. Different programmes are available (1:1/group), dependent on your motivation, interest and levels of support you need to be more active.
Alternatively, Bridging the Gap physical activity taster sessions are available for people moving forward with their rehabilitation |
participant information |
| NO | If you feel confident, motivated and are self-managing your condition, the Active Communities programme can be a great place to start.
Active Communities deliver a range of programmes aimed at supporting people to be more active, meet new people, do something new and have fun. Many sessions are low intensity, and are great starting placing for people starting a physical activity journey? |
active communities
|
Starting an activity
To increase your enjoyment of the activity, consider:
- Wearing loose, lightweight clothing.
- Wearing well-fitting and comfortable footwear
- Taking part in an activity with family or friends
- Setting a manageable goal(s) and reward yourself if you achieve them (e.g. increase your step-count)
- Keeping well hydrated (have access to a bottle of water)
REMEMBER:
- If you are unsure about the risk of being active or have a heart condition, please speak to a health professional before starting.
- If you experience in new and/or worsening symptoms after during or following start your activities, please seek medical advice.
References