Spring Is Shape Up Time Even With Asthma

Spring is right around the corner, and it’s just about time to get outdoors for some exercise even if you have asthma. Some of our best known Olympians and athletes like Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Greg Louganis both competed with asthma. In the 1996 Olympic Games it was reported that up to 17% of the athletes had a history of asthma.

Experts agree that all but those with the most severe asthma should be able to participate in sports and exercise. The key is to manage your asthma instead of letting it manage you

Allergies and pollution can worsen the symptoms during the springtime season but they don’t have to keep you inside on nice days either. The important thing to remember when you want to get some outdoor exercise is to know what brings on an attack and what to do to control the symptoms.

If you have a regular doctor, talk to them about your new exercise program. They can tell you more about how to deal with an attack and prescribe a quick relief medicine, like an inhaler, that you can keep with you all the time. There are even some products that can be obtained over the counter without a prescription.

Keep an eye on the air quality index also. Listen to the radio, watch the television or read the newspaper to find out the latest pollution and allergy levels. There is even an online site that the Environmental Protection Agency runs at www.epa.gov/airnow that will let you know what the air quality outlook is for your area. When the levels are high stay indoors to exercise or shorten the length and intensity of your workout.

If you have pollen allergy wait until the late afternoon or after a rainstorm when the pollen levels are usually lower. Another caution would be to avoid exercising by busy roads during rush hour or in industrial areas. The worst time for pollen is normally between 5-10 A.M.

Besides avoiding what triggers an attack, select activities that are less likely to cause problems. Swimming is a great low impact aerobic exercise. You are in warm humid air in a horizontal position and can be done all year. Golf, walking, biking or hiking are also safe and good for the cardiovascular system.

If you are into working on endurance types of training, they are likelier to cause an attack, so pay closer attention. Sports that require continuous activity and strain like marathon running, basketball and soccer are probably not the best way to go.

However, regular physical activity coupled with proper nutrition and diet, are still the best things you can do for yourself and your overall well being.

So get outdoors and enjoy everything it has to offer.