Staying healthy is an inspiring goal for dialysis patients and the general public alike.
The general public can enjoy aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, running or swimming for at least 30 minutes a day, which helps strengthen heart and lung function and improves overall fitness. Strength training (such as weightlifting) and resistance training are equally worth looking forward to; these significantly build muscle strength and work best two or more times a week.
For dialysis patients, the moderate exercise recommended by their physicians is also full of enjoyment and benefit.
For example, light aerobic exercise such as walking or cycling for 20–30 minutes at a time, with the frequency adjusted to your condition. Yoga and stretching are also very suitable, relaxing the mind while increasing flexibility and muscle coordination.
The National Kidney Foundation (US) recommends that exercise programs for dialysis patients be carefully designed to avoid excessive fatigue and injury. For everyone, regular exercise brings many benefits, including a stronger immune system, better sleep quality and a healthy body weight. For reference, see the article by physical therapist Te-Sheng Chen of the Taiwan Kidney Disease Prevention Foundation: Recommended exercise and precautions for patients with chronic kidney disease (in Chinese).
In addition, a light diet, moderate fluid intake and enough sleep are the cornerstones of health, improving the benefit of exercise as well as overall health. Whether you are a member of the general public or a dialysis patient, pay attention to your mental health and take time to relax and meditate, which is very important for maintaining balance of body and mind.
Let us move toward better health together and welcome a better life!
