Staying active on dialysis

No matter who you are, staying active is an important part living a longer and healthier life. Regular exercise helps you:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Prevent diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.
• Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
• Build strength and endurance which helps prevent injuries.
• Feel good about yourself.
• Sleep better.

Plus, there are many ways to stay active.  From sitting stretches, gardening, walking, swimming, to long distance running, there’s an activity that’s just right for you.

Start by talking to your kidney doctor. He or she can help you find the right type of activity for your physical condition, age, and living situation.

Making exercise a healthy habit

• Find something active that you like to do.
• Find a friend or family member to exercise with you; or find a group with whom to exercise.
• Mix it up: walk one day, dance the next.
• Turn up the music and enjoy your personal top ten songs.
• Exercise while you watch TV or listen to the radio.
• Track your progress with your phone or other device. See if you can get a target of  steps, time, or miles in each week.
• Be safe, don’t over do it but try to challenge yourself if you feel you can.