Some exercise is better than none

Dear Dr. Gott: I believe that you are giving older retired people the impression that a walk around the block is significant exercise, when — in reality — a person should walk or exercise for at least 30 minutes nonstop to help heart problems or high blood pressure. Sitting around the house for much of one’s day is not healthful. Dear Reader: As you point out, extended exercise is beneficial. Ideally, brisk exertion for a daily minimum of at least 30 minutes is a reasonable goal. However, for a variety of reasons (including heart problems or arthritis), not all people can reach this goal. In such cases, I’m glad if the person simply walks around the block; some exercise is better than none. Winters can be tough for seniors in the snow belt. However, there is an abundance of exercise programs available in health and fitness centers. Stationary bike riding or walking on a treadmill at home are also valuable options, as are swimming, golf, stair climbing and a host of low-intensity activities that can be easily modified to suit the participant. I don’t come down hard on older folks whose health problems limit their exercise. I encourage them to do the best they can, follow their physicians’ advice, and try to take full advantage of workout facilities in (or around) their homes or communities. Dear Dr. Gott: My 71-year-old husband is in good health. However, after his annual exam, he had a carotid ultrasound test that showed an 80 percent blockage in the right carotid artery. The doctor told us that there is no cure for this age-related problem and prescribed Zocor to lower my husband’s high cholesterol level. Is there really nothing else that can be done? Dear Reader: An 80 percent arterial blockage in the neck is a significant risk factor for stroke. Although I agree with the doctor’s attempt to lower your husband’s cholesterol level, I disagree with his conclusion that nothing more needs to be done. In my opinion, your husband should be examined by a vascular surgeon. True, surgery may not be appropriate in this case. But a reaming-out procedure could certainly improve circulation in the carotid artery and lessen the risk of a future stroke. At the very least, your husband needs a second opinion from a vascular specialist. To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Strokes.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.