Newswise — Whether jogging, skiing or skating, enthusiastic exercisers don't let the frigid temperatures of winter keep them indoors. But for millions of Americans with asthma, the cold weather can literally stop them in their tracks. According to Dr. Abraham Sanders, a pulmonologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, "Winter is already a difficult time for asthmatics because of the increased incidence of colds and flu, which can evolve into more serious conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Adding exercise to the mix can mean even more trouble." "It's crucial that all asthmatics know about possible triggers. For active men and women it means being aware of the potential dangers of cold-weather exercise." Dr. Sanders offers the following tips when exercising in winter:
* Always wear a scarf over your mouth and nose to warm the air before you breathe in.
* Warm up with stretching and light activity before exercising, shoveling or beginning more strenuous physical activities. Also, make sure to cool down.
* Take all medication as prescribed, even if you feel fine.
* If it's too cold or icy, head inside for mall walking or another activity.
* When exercising indoors, be sure that the room is well-humidified and ventilated.
* Dress in layers. Layering clothes underneath a windproof and waterproof outer shell helps maintain body heat.
* Drink plenty of fluids. Your body needs fluids during cold weather, too. Try carrying a water bottle.
* If you've been sedentary or have health problems, check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
NewYork-Presbyterian HospitalNewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, based in New York City, is the nation's largest not-for-profit, non-sectarian hospital, with 2,242 beds. The Hospital has nearly 2 million inpatient and outpatient visits in a year, including more than 230,000 visits to its emergency departments -- more than any other area hospital. NewYork-Presbyterian provides state-of-the-art inpatient, ambulatory and preventive care in all areas of medicine at five major centers: NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Allen Pavilion and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Westchester Division. One of the largest and most comprehensive health-care institutions in the world, the Hospital is committed to excellence in patient care, research, education and community service. It ranks sixth in U.S.News & World Report's guide to "America's Best Hospitals," ranks first on New York magazine's "Best Hospitals" survey, has the greatest number of physicians listed in New York magazine's "Best Doctors" issue, and is included among Solucient's top 15 major teaching hospitals. The Hospital's mortality rates are among the lowest for heart attack and heart failure in the country, according to a 2007 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) report card. The Hospital has academic affiliations with two of the nation's leading medical colleges: Weill Cornell Medical College and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. For more information, visit www.nyp.org.
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