Health professionals and getting advice
It is important for those contemplating exercising for the first time to make sure you seek advice if you have second thoughts or concerns about your ability. There are a number of health professionals you can access as well as your main GP. This is more relevant if you have a known medical disease. If you consider yourself fit, and you exercise regularly, then keep at it. However, if your health changes then you should take professional advice. Here are a few conditions that might guide you.
- shortness of breath
- overweight
- uncontrolled diabetes
- thyroid problems
- kidney disease
This list is far from complete and may include cancer therapy, skin conditions, and blood-related problems such as clotting. If you take medication for medical problems perhaps seek advice about exercising. Today and certainly in the wake of Covid-19 exercise and weight loss can make a difference to your chances of fighting infections. GPs are now prescribing fitness centres more and more to reduce dependency on medication. For a little more detail you can go to my article entitled Am I fit to Use the Gym.
Health professionals ideally belong to regulated professions
a wide range of registered professionals can advise on fitness
The advice can come from a number of professionals dedicated to health. All healthcare professionals should be registered. Regulators are often known as Councils. The doctor’s regulator is the General Medical Council (GMC) but there are other Councils.
Those that look after my profession (podiatry) and physiotherapists are formed from the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). A broad list of different professions is covered under the HCPC. This is where you will find me registered. Nurses are covered by the Nurses and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Professionals are all trained with some level of medicinal knowledge. Many can undertake measurements such as blood pressure. The diagnosis of a medical condition however is usually delivered by a medically trained and qualified doctor. Any health professional can suggest a diagnosis but formal confirmation is more often provided after appropriate tests and examination.
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Published by Busypencilcase Communications Est. 2015 for ConsultingFootPain
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