Fitness Builds Health

Get fit  -  Lose weight  -  Have fun  -  Feel great

Medical Conditions, Injuries, and Drug Interactions

The overall health of a person embarking on an exercise program or diet to lose weight must be considered in determining what would be helpful and what could cause additional problems. See your doctor, and if you have not had a complete physical in some time, that would be a great way to get started building your healthier lifestyle!

Besides any known medical conditions (heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, allergies), lasting effects of past injuries must be taken into account as well. In most cases, your fitness program can be tailored to bring the most improvement while aggravating existing conditions as little as possible.

Checklist of health issues to investigate before starting:

• How long has it been since last physical exam or checkup?
• When did you last have blood work done to check cholesterol levels?
• Have you had problems with breathing, headaches, nausea, stress, blood pressure?
• Has your weight changed significantly? Have you felt lethargic or sleepy?
• Do past injuries to joints, bones, or muscles prevent you from engaging in certain activities?

First Aid For First Response

Emergencies happen when you least expect it. Therefore, everybody should prepare ahead and equip themselves with necessary skills or training that is needed during such instances. Everyone should undergo first aid training so that they will be ready when medical emergencies arise. It is truly frustrating to be in a position where you watch the person you know suffer and do nothing about it because you don't have the slightest idea what to do.

Importance of knowing first aid
It usually takes several minutes before a person who is suffering from injuries and other medical emergencies is brought to a doctor, a clinic or a hospital. In life threatening situations, the injured or sick person usually needs immediate aid or first response aid to help him or her survive the long wait before the arrival of medical professionals. If a person is bleeding to death, a person who knows first aid can help stop the bleeding temporarily until a professional medical practitioner is available.

The number one cause of death in the US is heart attack. And the first few minutes after the person having an attack collapses are the most crucial moments that will determine if he or she will live or die. The chance of survival of those who had received defibrillation and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is about fifty percent. In life threatening situations, a person who knows first aid will know how to bring order to the situation, help prevent further damages to the inflicted person, and even provide temporary relief or treatment.

...Guide to First Aid Courses