Resources > Handouts > Handout 8

Handout 8. Safety tips and stop signs

Before you start:

Being active is safe for most people. Not sure? Consult with your health care provider, especially if you have been inactive for a while, have a health concern or are on medication. Becoming more active can often help people with movement and health problems. Talk to your health care provider to find out what kind of activity would be helpful for you.

Starting:

• Start slowly and build up - listen to your body.
• Accumulate 30 - 60 minutes of moderate physical activity most days.
• Minutes count - add it up 10 minutes at a time.

During your activity:

• Pay attention-avoid hazards.
• Go at your own pace.
• Be careful about your movements when starting new activities.
• Start out slowly.
• Ask your physical activity leaders if you have questions. Get information about safety, and how to do the movements correctly.

Stop exercising if you feel:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in your joints

Delay exercising…

• if you are recovering from a recent illness such as a cold or flu

For more information see Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living for Older Adults.

Previous:

Handout 7

Next:

Handout 9