Survivors Shouldn't Fear Exercising.

• Position: The use of exercise by stroke patients - Brief Article

Stroke survivors can benefit greatly from a good exercise program, but need to keep a few special guidelines in mind while recovering. "An appropriate exercise program can decrease the risk of another stroke, help the patient feel better, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack," indicates Gregory W. Albers, director of the Stanford Stroke Center, Palo Alto, Calif.

"Evidence suggests that most, if not all, of the cardiovascular benefits people gain from exercise apply also to stroke prevention." Regular exercise can lower blood pressure (the major risk factor for stroke), reduce cholesterol levels, and promote weight loss. "For example, recent studies suggest that lowering even moderately elevated levels of cholesterol--a step proven to reduce the risk of heart attacks--also reduces the risk of stroke by about one-third."

Albers offers these guidelines:

* Before striking out on your own, complete the post-stroke rehabilitation therapy prescribed by your doctor. When you are ready to begin an exercise program beyond rehabilitation, talk with your rehab therapist, primary care physician, or neurologist.

* Set limits. While it is a good idea to talk with your doctor before beginning any exercise program, this is even more important for a stroke survivor, especially one who also has heart disease. Exercise affects blood pressure. Extremes of blood pressure--either too high or too low--can...