Madeeha Syed

If you are told strength training is only for men, you must read this article by fitness experts at Meri Sehat to improve fitness in women using weight exercise.

Why Strength Training is a Miracle Fitness Routine

This article or video has been vetted and verified by Meri Sehat’s specialists. It contains citations and research from validated sources.

Why Strength Training Is A Miracle Fitness Routine

The Power Of Stepping Forward

Overview

There&rsquo;s a widely held perception that <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/body-weight-exercises-for-strength-training">effective exercises</a> are meant to exhaust you and be physically difficult. When looking to build an exercise regime, most of us are quick to add high-intensity activities like weightlifting and running. Rarely, if ever, does one consider beginning with the simplest and easily accessible activity: walking.&nbsp;

While it may not necessarily outweigh the benefits of a high-intensity strength circuit, walking comes with a host of benefits for both the body and mind. If one is completely new to exercising, or even returning after a long hiatus, walking is a more sustainable place to start. There is no learning curve because it is the one movement that&rsquo;s been inherent to our lives since infancy. It also allows you to start with a gentle pace and build up as your body allows. Whether you start with a moderate pace for ten minutes a day or walk at a faster pace for an hour, you will still be able to reap the many benefits of this activity. 
&nbsp;

Benefits of walking

Walking has been shown to improve blood circulation in the body and lower one&rsquo;s resting heart rate, while lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. A six-year study found that moderately paced walking showed similar reductions in the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol when compared to vigorous running. A study of post-menopausal woman also showed that walking just one to two miles a day can lower blood pressure by 11 points in 24 weeks. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;Research shows that walking contributes towards preventing a range of diseases. Improvement in cardiovascular health leads to a decrease in risk of heart disease. In one study, women who walked 30 minutes a day showed a 20 percent decrease in the possibility of having a stroke. Those who walked at a faster, above average pace showed a 40 percent decrease.

In another study, women who walked seven or more hours a week were shown to be 14 percent less likely to get breast cancer as compared to women who walked less than three hours. Even women with other risk factors, such as being on supplemental hormones, were less likely to get the disease.&nbsp;

With its benefits to overall health, regular walking has been shown to reduce risk of early death by upto 39 percent as compared to a sedentary lifestyle. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;Walking has also been shown to reduce risks of developing Type 2 diabetes, as it helps to balance blood sugar levels. A meta-analysis of 300,000 showed that walking regular decreases the likelihood of Type 2 diabetes by 30 percent. Walking at a brisk pace, of more than 20 minutes to a mile, is even more effective, reducing risk by 41 percent. Meanwhile, a smaller study, of 201 people with Type 2 diabetes showed that every additional 2,600 steps in daily activity was associated with a 0.2 percent decrease in blood sugar level. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;A joint is the point where two or more bones are joined, such as our knees and elbows. The health of our joints greatly impacts our overall mobility and is essential for living comfortably and pain free. Walking has been shown to improve joint health while reducing chances of osteoarthritis. It lubricates the joints, which protects our bones from friction, and strengthens the muscles that support them. Research has shown that people who walk regularly experienced a 40 percent reduction in knee pain as opposed to those who didn&rsquo;t. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;Walking has been proven to boost our immune system&rsquo;s ability to protect us against illness. A study tracked 1,000 adults during flu season. Those who walked at a moderate pace for 30 to 45 minutes a day faced 43 percent less sick days and suffered from fewer respiratory infections overall. Even if they did get sick, their symptoms were not as severe or long-lasting when compared to adults with sedentary lifestyles. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;Like other forms of exercise, walking causes our body to release endorphins. These are neurotransmitters which elevate our mood and alleviate pain. There is ample evidence to support the positive relationship between walking and mental health. One study showed that the more steps people took in a day, the better their mood was. Just 12 minutes of walking resulted in more self-confidence and a better mood in the subjects of another study.

Walking in nature helps us ruminate less over negative experiences, which in turn decreases negative emotions and risk of depression. A study of post-menopausal women showed that walking three times a week for 40 minutes provided relief from symptoms of depression. With all the research to support walking, it&rsquo;s no surprise that psychologists agree a 10-minute walk can be as effective as a 45-minute vigorous workout when it comes to relieving depression. 
&nbsp;

Bottom Line

&nbsp;For creative professionals, walking can be a valuable tool in facilitating idea generation. One study compared people trying to think of new ideas while they were walking with those who were sitting. Participants who were walking did better, especially if they were walking outdoors. Research has also shown that walking improves creative output by more than 60 percent. Science shows that engaging in activities that allow our mind to wander creates a mental state that is conducive to coming up with ideas. If we are able to let go of our thoughts while walking, we can go to a place where ideas flow freely to us.

Although simple, walking has incredible and wide-ranging benefits for your body and mental health and should definitely be incorporated as a part of your lifestyle.&nbsp;

Ayesha Binte Rashid

Your Body After Giving Birth

Post-pregnancy or postpartum is a crucial period. It&rsquo;s also known as the fourth trimester. This is when your body is <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/chronic-fatigue-syndrome">recovering from the fatigue</a> of pregnancy.

During pregnancy, the body goes through a lot of changes to accommodate your baby. The body eventually goes back to normal, but this can take a while.&nbsp;

Continue reading to find out more about some common changes that take place in your body, after you give birth. 
&nbsp;

Post-pregnancy or postpartum

During pregnancy, hair growth gets better and the texture of hair gets thicker. This is all thanks to the hormones that are active during that phase. However, post-delivery, this phase settles down and enters into a resting phase for about one to five months. Normal hair growth pattern usually returns six to 15 months after delivery. 
&nbsp;

Shoe surprise is pretty common after pregnancy. It is not just the midsection that gets affected. After a baby is born, your shoe size changes permanently. That is because during pregnancy women gain an average of 25-35 pounds which puts extra pressure on the feet. This pressure flattens out the arch in your feet which is the reason for extra inches in your feet. 
&nbsp;

Belly bulge is common after pregnancy. A lot of women expect that the belly will return to its normal size after birth. The upper portion of the uterus is at the level of your navel. Post-pregnancy belly returns to its normal size in about six to eight weeks. A good diet and exercise are the key to toning down your belly. Workouts focused on the core can show quick results. 
&nbsp;

A common expectation of most women is that the breast size will go up after giving birth and breastfeeding. Once you stop breastfeeding, however, the size goes back to what it was. In fact, in some cases, it goes a cup down. The main reason for the size to increase is that fat tissue in the breast is replaced by functional tissue. Once a woman stops breastfeeding, functional tissue depletes as it is no longer needed. 
&nbsp;

The first six months of the post-partum period are the recovery period. No matter how easy or smooth your pregnancy is, your body has gone through a lot of stress and trauma. It needs time to recuperate. Remember that every mom goes through a different experience and symptoms; hence, the recovery rate also changes.

Most of the symptoms, like sore nipples, backache, pain in the thigh area, etc., continue for more than a week. Other symptoms, like leaky breasts, can linger on for months.

In vaginal delivery, recovery timelines vary depending upon the kind of delivery. The soreness and perennial pain go away in three weeks. However, in the case of vaginal tear or episiotomy (incision made on the vagina to ease the delivery process), recovery can take up to six weeks.

If you have been delivered through c-section, it will take around three to four days in the hospital to recover. In about four to six weeks you can recover completely. 
&nbsp;

For the first 24 hours after birth, ice your perineum region. Sit in warm baths for 20 minutes to ease pain and avoid long periods of standing or sitting.

Ease pain and aches by taking hot showers and massages.

Do your Kegel exercises, to strengthen your pelvic muscles.

Keep up with your doctor appointments. It will help you stay on track. Your doctor can also notify you about your emotional well-being and help you with your new journey.

Ask your doctor regarding your workout plan. They can guide you about how and when can you exercise. It is a good idea to start by walking into your house and then gradually into the neighbourhood. Walking helps in recovery by improving blood circulation and toning muscles. 
&nbsp;

Your diet after pregnancy shouldn&rsquo;t be very different from what you eat during pregnancy. Avoid processed foods. Focus on eating whole grains, high fibre foods, Omega-3 fatty acid-rich food, nuts, and fish.&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Lean Meat: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are all crucial components of a breastfeeding mother&#39;s diet. Your infant receives calcium from breastmilk for the formation of bones. Consume foods high in calcium to replenish the calcium your body has lost. Include three cups of dairy in your diet each day.</li>
	<li>Pulses: These are a good source of protein and fibre. You can cook them with different seasonings to make them tasty and easy to eat. Pulses also prevent fat from accumulating in the body.</li>
	<li>Vegetables:&nbsp;These are low-calorie healthy food. They are rich in antioxidants and aid in losing weight. Spinach and broccoli are good sources of Vitamin A which is healthy for you and your baby.</li>
</ul>

Once the baby is born, you can resume most of the food you avoided during pregnancy. Include nutrient-rich foods like legumes, proteins, fibre, citrus fruits, and vegetables. Don&rsquo;t forget to keep yourself hydrated. You may consult a dietician and your doctor in designing your diet plan.

Namwer Rao

What To Do After Getting A Caesarean?

You&rsquo;ve had your baby, and you&rsquo;re ready to go home. But before you can leave the hospital, there&rsquo;s some post-delivery care that you should take care of. In this article, we&rsquo;ll cover caesarean section (C-section) aftercare, including when it&rsquo;s time to take your catheter out and when you&#39;re ready for discharge from the hospital.

&nbsp;

recovery after  a c-section

After you have a C-section, this is the most critical period. You might feel tired, emotional, or anxious about your baby or yourself. Be sure to:&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Make Time For Yourself And Rest

<ul>
	<li>Drink water</li>
	<li>Eat healthy</li>
	<li>Do light exercises only (such <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/how-walking-helps-you-think-bette">as walking</a>) 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Take Care Of Your Wound And Stitches (If Applicable). You Need To

<ul>
	<li>Keep your wound clean and dry</li>
	<li>Wear comfortable maternity clothes that make it easy to get in and out of bed easily. Think loose fitting tops with leggings</li>
	<li>Avoid tight clothing, such as jeans or elastic waistbands, etc.</li>
	<li>Avoid heavy lifting or carrying heavy objects, etc.</li>
	<li>Speak to your doctor if you feel there is an infection developing in your wound area (this can happen on rare occasions) 
	 
	Ask for help from friends and family members when needed 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

You might feel weak and sore for a while after your surgery. Don&#39;t worry, it is normal! Moving around would help you feel better and get the blood flowing through your body again. You might want to ask someone to help with the lifting and carrying of heavy objects until you&#39;ve fully recovered from your surgery. 
&nbsp;

Here are some useful tips for moving around:

<ul>
	<li>Care For Your Incision: You&rsquo;ll likely be in the hospital for 2-3 days. During that time, your healthcare team would ask you to do a few things to help ensure you&rsquo;re on the right track.</li>
	<li>Keep Your Incision Clean And Dry. If needed, use pads or bandages.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Avoid Placing Hot Water Bottles or heating pads over your incision area because they could increase swelling and cause pain.</li>
	<li>Do Not Lift Anything That&rsquo;s Heavy during the first six weeks following your surgery. And even after that, if there&rsquo;s something you need to move, keep it light or, better yet, ask for help!</li>
	<li>Avoid Sexual Intercourse for six weeks after having a c-section (or until advised otherwise). This is to allow your uterus and vagina to heal well before you have another child vaginally.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>After The Period Of Six Months, you might resume intercourse as normal, but again, keep it light.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Stretching. It&rsquo;s a good idea to stretch your abdominal muscles and any other muscles that have been affected by the surgery.</li>
	<li>Breathing exercises. Use diaphragmatic breathing (also called belly breathing) to help relax your body and calm down after surgery.</li>
	<li>Pelvic floor exercises. They help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and support the uterus, bladder, and bowel function after pregnancy. They also improve sexuality for both men and women, increase energy levels (and thus productivity) and reduce lower back pain or sciatica symptoms by improving posture or alignment through strengthening these core muscles</li>
	<li>Walking is a great form of exercise during recovery time because it helps strengthen leg muscles while also building endurance, which is helpful if you have had stitches put in place during surgery! 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>If you notice any unusual bleeding, such as a sudden gush of blood, or if the flow of your postpartum discharge changes in colour or consistency</li>
	<li>If you experience pain or discomfort</li>
	<li>If you have a fever (above 100&deg;F) 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Note: If you have questions about your recovery that aren&rsquo;t covered here, please ask your obstetrician or midwife.&nbsp;

If you&rsquo;re concerned about anything at all whether it&rsquo;s the way your belly feels after surgery (which, by the way, should feel like it has been run over by a truck!), whether there&rsquo;s an abnormal amount of blood coming out of your vagina, whether there are signs of infection (fever, chills), etc., go see someone right away.

It&rsquo;s better to err on the side of caution than risk an infection setting in that could lead to more problems later on down the road. And even though C-sections carry risks themselves (mainly related with anaesthesia), they&rsquo;re still safer than vaginal births when it comes down to actually giving birth itself. 
&nbsp;

Just sitting back and waiting for your body to heal would get you there. But you could be up and running and taking care of your baby with the right care in no time.&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Take It Easy. It might be tempting to jump right back into your normal routine, but try to cut yourself some slack. Your body needs time to heal after having been through an invasive procedure like surgery.</li>
	<li>Don&rsquo;t Be Afraid of taking pain medication, if necessary. If soreness is keeping you from getting quality rest at night, talk with your caregiver about options for relieving this discomfort. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

C-section recovery is a process. You might not feel like doing much, but it&rsquo;s important that you get up and move around as soon as possible. The more your body moves around, the sooner it will heal!

Umna Salah

Getting Back To Working Out After Giving Birth

The weeks after one&rsquo;s delivery can be as stressful as they are joyous. Newborn babies need constant attention and it&rsquo;s difficult to take out time to care for oneself. When the baby is down for a nap, it&rsquo;s our chance to get some sleep too or catch up on chores. Naturally, there&rsquo;s very little time or mental space for fitness and physical activity. Plus, there&rsquo;s the physical exhaustion that comes with long nights and breastfeeding. 
However, taking care of our bodies is essential to recovering quickly from pregnancy and childbirth. Taking time out for fitness enables us to better manage the stressors that come with a newborn baby, both physically and emotionally. This, in turn, ensures that we are able to enjoy the joys of new motherhood as well.

<div>&nbsp;</div>

time to recover body

As a new mother, it&rsquo;s important to ensure that you are consuming all of the nutrients that are essential to your health and recovery. If you are breastfeeding, it is even more important that you consume a nutritious diet.&nbsp;

Try to include a good amount of protein in your diet, as well as good fats and essential fatty acids. Eating a sufficient amount of carbs will give you the energy you need to keep up with your baby. Make sure to include fruits and nutrients in your diet as they are an important source of <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/a-guide-to-essential-vitamins-and-micronutrients-and-should-you-be-taking-them">micronutrients and fibre</a>.&nbsp;

If you have a straightforward vaginal delivery, you can start with gentle movement in the form of short walks as soon as the day you deliver; however, you will have to wait till your epidural has been taken out. If you delivered via a caesarean or faced postpartum complications, you may have to wait a few extra days to give your body time to recover.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h5>Moderate Walking</h5>

Easy to moderate walking is the best way to start moving after childbirth. You can start with just 20 minutes a day and gently build up to half an hour over the course of four to six weeks. Consider breaking up your walks into several walks a day to avoid tiring yourself out and being able to fit them in more easily into your newborn&rsquo;s routine. You could start with two 10-minute walks a day, build that up to two 12-minute walks after a few days and so on. Walking burns calories, while also strengthening muscles and joints, and improving blood circulation. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Postpartum Exercises</h5>

Incorporate gentle postpartum exercises and stretches into your routine in the first few weeks after a delivery. There is a lot of information online about safe postpartum exercises. You can look some up and aim to do them for five minutes a day. YouTube videos focused on postpartum exercises can also be easy to follow along, and if you&rsquo;d like the opportunity to get out of the house, a postpartum exercise or yoga class might just be the thing for you. As with walking, start with just a few minutes a day and slowly build up as your body adjusts.

Your pelvic floor and core tend to be particularly weak after childbirth. Before you move onto high-impact exercises, it is important to build some strength in these parts of the body. You can start doing gentle pelvic exercises, like kegels and pelvic tilts in the first week after your delivery. Aim to do them for about five minutes at a time, up to three times a day. Again, there&rsquo;s no need to do long sessions and tire yourself out. Fitting in smaller movement sessions throughout the day will ensure that you are able to be consistent and don&rsquo;t end up pushing yourself too much.

About a month after childbirth, you can start exercising core exercises into your routine. Again, this also depends on what kind of delivery you&rsquo;ve had and whether you faced any complications during or after. Once again, incorporate a few minutes of core work into your daily movement sessions and break it up into two to three sessions a day.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h5>As A Rule Of Thumb</h5>

You should wait at least six weeks after childbirth to get into high-impact exercises. It&rsquo;s important to prepare your body in the preceding weeks and to also take it slow when you do start with higher impact movement. Make sure to consult your doctor and get their okay beforehand. Even at this stage, start slowly and listen to your body. There&rsquo;s no need to push forward from the get go. What&rsquo;s important is that you maintain consistency and build up in a manner that is doable for you. 
&nbsp;

It&rsquo;s easy to forget to take care of ourselves in the first few months after childbirth. But we need to remember that we need as much love and care as our newborn babies do. Being kind to yourself and patient with your body is especially important after a delivery. Remember, the healthier you feel, the better you&rsquo;ll be able to enjoy the time you get with your newborn!

How To Prepare For Giving Birth

If you&#39;re pregnant, you may be wondering what you can do to prepare for the big day. There are plenty of things that will help make your labour easier and keep your body healthy while it grows a baby. Here&rsquo;s my advice on how to boost your chances of having an easy and healthy childbirth experience. 
&nbsp;

prepare for the big day

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for childbirth is to get as much rest as possible. That&rsquo;s not just because it will make you feel better, but also because it will help your baby grow and develop.

Rest is especially important for pregnant women, who need plenty of sleep to meet their bodies&rsquo; demands for nutrients and energy during pregnancy. A baby needs that energy too! As long as there are no complications with your pregnancy or labour, it&rsquo;s a good idea to take lots of naps throughout the day, even if you don&#39;t feel tired. It will help keep both you and your little one happy and healthy in the long run. 
&nbsp;

Wear shoes that are comfortable and supportive, such as those that are flat or have very low heels. Good arch and ankle support is important for you to be able to walk in them. Your shoes should have a good grip on the floor so that you can walk safely while they are wet or slippery (e.g., when the floor is icy). 
&nbsp;

<ul dir="ltr">
	<li>Don&rsquo;t stand for long periods of time.</li>
	<li>Don&rsquo;t sit for too long.</li>
	<li>Don&rsquo;t cross your legs.</li>
	<li>Don&rsquo;t wear high heels. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Exercise can help you sleep better and help you cope with stress. Being physically active can help you lose weight, which has many benefits including an improved outlook and higher self-esteem (both of which will be handy during labour). It will also help you glow! 
&nbsp;

Kegel exercises are a type of exercise that strengthen the pelvic muscles. The pelvic muscles include pubococcygeus (PC) muscles and the urethral sphincter, which are responsible for contracting during orgasm (both women and men) and ejaculation in males, as well as when urinating or having bowel movements in both sexes. They also help control the flow of urine from the bladder, helping to prevent leakage from an enlarged prostate gland or urinary tract infection (UTI). Kegel exercises can help some women who have trouble with bladder control after childbirth. 
&nbsp;

Lie down on your back with knees bent so that your feet are flat on the floor and close together; keep arms at sides if comfortable or place them above head with elbows bent so they rest comfortably against ears if desired; relax all body parts except buttocks. Focus on relaxing tense areas such as shoulders and thighs. You should feel like you&rsquo;re making yourself &ldquo;soft&rdquo; all over before starting any exercise involving these areas; this will help prevent injury later on because we don&rsquo;t want anyone getting injured during childbirth either! 
&nbsp;

You should eat a variety of foods from all of the food groups. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are good sources of fibre. Fruits and vegetables also have vitamins and minerals that nourish your body. Good sources of protein include lean meats such as fish or poultry, beans, eggs, nuts, seeds and low-fat dairy products. Limit processed foods such as chips, crackers, cakes and cookies because they lack the nutrients you need to stay healthy during pregnancy. High-fat foods can cause weight gain during pregnancy which increases your risk for developing certain pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure) or gestational diabetes (high blood sugar). 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Eat a <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/what-are-the-common-components-that-constitute-a-healthy-diet">healthy diet</a></li>
	<li>Drink plenty of water</li>
	<li>Sleep as much as you can</li>
	<li>Sleep in a comfortable position, ideally on your side with a pillow under your tummy and another one between your legs to help keep baby from pushing on your bowel (if you are feeding him or her)</li>
	<li>Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol, which can cause contractions and make you feel jittery. Also avoid smoking because it restricts blood flow to the uterus and placenta, which could affect oxygen supply to the baby</li>
	<li>Avoid heavy lifting, working out too hard or going for long walks until after delivery because these things aren&rsquo;t good for either of you right now!</li>
	<li>Avoid too much stress &mdash; take some time each day just for yourself so that when the big day comes (and it will come) everything will go smoothly 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;While it&rsquo;s important to be prepared for childbirth and know the basics of what to expect, don&rsquo;t worry if you&rsquo;re not sure about all of these things. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable during and after birth. So, get as much rest as possible and make sure your doctor knows how well rested you are.

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Saad Ullah Siddiqui

Best Exercises For Diabetics In Ramadan!

Introduction

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. The holy month is a time of spiritual reflection that is meant to develop a sense of gratitude and discipline, encouraging self-improvement and knitting the community closer.

For all its benefits, though, we know Ramadan can be challenging for diabetic people. However, one trick to managing these blood sugar spikes is regular exercise.

Oh no, don&rsquo;t worry! These are not high-intensity activities. The following exercises can easily be integrated into a daily routine without causing excessive strain or fatigue<a href="#accordion">[1][2]</a>: 
&nbsp;

Understanding Best Exercises For Diabetics In Ramadan

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Walking</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Walking is an excellent low-impact exercise for <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/diabetes-type-1-and-2">diabetics </a>as it not only improves blood sugar control but also reduces the risk of heart disease. You can go out for a walk before Suhoor or after Iftar when your body has sufficient energy to fuel the activity.

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/yoga-a-life-changing-approach">Yoga</a></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Yoga is a gentle, cost-effective form of exercise that&rsquo;s more famous for improving body flexibility. But do you know it helps your body manage stress levels, too? It really does! So, if you&rsquo;re struggling to cope mentally and/or physically, then this is for you! Yoga during Ramadan will improve your blood circulation, lower blood pressure, manage insulin levels, and even help you maintain a healthy weight.

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Tai Chi</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese practice involving slow movements and deep breathing. It is an effective way for people with type 2 diabetes to manage their blood glucose and A1C levels. Additionally, this form of meditation is known to improve balance and reduce nerve damage, although more research is required in this regard.

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Swimming</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Swimming during Ramadan helps cool down the body temperature and, consequently, reduces the loss of fluid through sweating. Also, it&rsquo;s a full-body workout, so it will leave you feeling more energetic and focused to go about your daily tasks. Moreover, it doesn&rsquo;t matter if you are at risk of gestational diabetes, young or elderly, or have hypertension or heart conditions; the exercise is ideal for everyone who&rsquo;s tackling diabetes in Ramadan without exhausting their bodies.

NOTE: Make sure to inform the lifeguard about your medical condition before taking a dip.

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Cycling</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Cycling is yet another exercise that doesn&rsquo;t put excessive pressure on your joints. It can be done indoors or outdoors, whichever is more convenient or suits your condition best. According to recent research, nearly half of the people with type 2 diabetes also have arthritis. Factors like diabetic neuropathy and obesity only make you more susceptible to suffering from joint pain. Cycling helps you keep up with your fitness goals while fasting. 
&nbsp;

<ol>
	<li>Begin slowly, especially if you haven&#39;t been physically active in a while. Do a 5-minute warm-up before exercising. Similarly, finish off with a 5-minute cool-down after exercising.</li>
	<li>Check blood sugar levels before and after exercise to understand how your body responds to it.</li>
	<li>Make sure your blood sugar is less than 250 mg/dl before exercising.</li>
	<li>Wear a medical alert ID band and carry a cell phone in case of emergency.</li>
	<li>Avoid exercising in extremely hot or cold temperatures.</li>
	<li>Always listen to your body. If you feel dizzy or short of breath, stop immediately.</li>
</ol>

NOTE: Always consult with a doctor before starting an exercise program to ensure it&#39;s safe and suitable for your condition<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. 
&nbsp;

Conclusion

Fasting during Ramadan can make it challenging for diabetic people to maintain a regular exercise routine. Remember, it&rsquo;s okay to modify physical activities to suit your body&rsquo;s needs during this time. Some strategies include adjusting the timing and intensity of exercise, staying hydrated, and monitoring blood glucose levels closely. Consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any exercise program during Ramadan is essential. 
&nbsp;

[1] Grey H. The best 10 exercises if you have diabetes. Healthline.

[2] Migala J, By. 6 great exercises for people with diabetes. EverydayHealth.com.

[3] Team CC. 5 best exercises for people with diabetes. Cleveland Clinic.

Sarah Mhowwala

This article or video has been recorded by a subject / domain specialists with a proven track record of excellence in their area. 

Screens Off

As parents, it&rsquo;s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of raising children. Sometimes we need to look beyond our own needs and pay attention to what our children need. And what they need is to play! We do not mean the new conventional mode of what&rsquo;s considered play nowadays &mdash; videogaming &mdash; we mean play play, the old-fashioned way&nbsp;&mdash; going outside, for example. And this is why: 
&nbsp;

Different Activities

<h5 dir="ltr">Channels Their Creativity</h5>

Playing is an essential part of childhood and is a critical part of your child&rsquo;s development. It allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength.

Playing helps children learn about the world around them by exploring it. They find out about objects in their environment by playing with them or using them in different ways. For example:

<ul>
	<li>If you want your child to know that something is hot or cold or wet or dry then give him an ice cube to hold in his hand for a few seconds then put it down for him to pick up again when his hand isn&rsquo;t frozen anymore (be careful though!). You can also do this with other things like putting sandpaper on top of newspaper so that they can feel the difference between rough or smooth surfaces etc...</li>
	<li>You could also get some paint brushes and some water colors so they could paint themselves as well as any other surfaces around them! This way they&rsquo;ll learn how different kinds of materials behave differently depending on what kinds of pressures have been applied (or not). 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h5>Aids In Healthy Brain Development</h5>

<a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/healthier-ways-of-disciplining-children" target="_blank">Playing helps children</a> build empathy, social skills, creativity and problem-solving skills. Your child is also bound to develop communication and physical wellness.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h5>Learning Experience Unmatched By Any School</h5>

<ul>
	<li>Playing with other children is a great way for your child to develop social skills and gain self-confidence. It helps them learn how to get along with others, compromise, share, take turns and solve problems.</li>
	<li>Children who tend to play more physically are often presented with challenges that require an on-the-spot solution. They use the process of trial and error when they play because they can experiment to see what works or doesn&#39;t work when trying something new &mdash; this teaches them how to solve problems on their own!</li>
	<li>Think about all the different ways you can use a box: build a fort inside of it, stack some blocks on top of it, turn it into an art project... there are so many options! When kids play with everyday objects like boxes instead of toys that have been given special attention by adults specifically marketed towards toddlers (with flashing lights and sounds), they can explore the world around them in new ways through open-ended play rather than pre-packaged activities that come from manufacturers who profit off selling extra stuff instead of fostering creativity in kids&#39; brains.&quot; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h5>It Allows Children To Develop Resiliency</h5>

Children learn to cooperate and share with others. Playing allows children to practice problem-solving skills, which helps them become more independent thinkers and decision makers in the future.

&nbsp;

<h5 dir="ltr">Release Energy Or School Stress In A Fun Way</h5>

Playing is a natural way to let off steam. When you&rsquo;re a kid, the world can be overwhelming, so it&rsquo;s good for kids to have opportunities to get their feelings and stress out in a safe environment.

As children play, they learn to accept new challenges and frustrations. They experience the euphoria of winning, the endorphins released due to physical activity but most importantly, they learn to lose and quit when needed. This is a good practice for life, because we all have to face the reality that not everyone can be the first or win every time. 
&nbsp;

<h5 dir="ltr">Learn About The World</h5>

Children get to see places, meet people on their own and even initiate conversations. Children learn more through social interaction than they do from passive observation.

The most important aspect of playing is that it is a way for children to feel safe. They can express themselves in ways that are acceptable in a group setting without having to worry about being criticised or judged by others. In this safe environment, children can explore their feelings and thoughts without fear of repercussion from adults or other kids (which would come with consequences if done outside of play). 
&nbsp;

<h5 dir="ltr">Physical Fun Is Old School But Natural</h5>

Playing is one of the most natural and important things we do in our lives. In fact, it&rsquo;s a necessity for human development. Playing helps children build skills that will shape them into productive adults &mdash; skills like problem solving, socialisation and creativity.

Physical activity also helps children learn to regulate their emotions while they explore the world around them. This ability comes in handy when dealing with stressful situations later on in life (like exams or job interviews).

&nbsp;

Playing is something that we have been doing since the beginning of time, and it will continue to be an important part throughout all future generations. While there are many factors involved in choosing how much playtime your child should have each day, you can always look back at these reasons why playing is important for their development. So go ahead &mdash; let them play!

Body Weight Exercises For Strength Training

Body weight exercises mean using your own body weight as resistance to train your muscles. If you’re someone who has never worked out a day in their life, doing bodyweight exercises is the perfect place to start. It’s great for building strength, endurance, balance, coordination and a nice lean muscular body. They are super convenient, can be done anywhere, costs no money and requires no equipment. There are also lower chances of injury that you might get with lifting weights that are too heavy. Another great thing about this mode of exercise is that you can easily mix and match or modify them according to your liking. You don’t have to get perfect at it from the get go and can start any of these bodyweight exercises at the beginner level. Once you perfect your technique, range of motion and your form you can move on to either the normal or tougher variations of these. Some of the easiest and most useful body weight exercises you can do anywhere and anytime are listed below. Most of these can be done in 3 sets with 12 – 15 repetitions.&nbsp;

Planks

&nbsp;This is one of those perfect exercises that challenge multiple muscle groups at once and are super easy to do. They can train muscles in you upper back, shoulders, arms, abs, oblique’s, glutes and quads while helping you work on your stability. They are also great for improving posture and provide your spine that much needed stability by strengthening core muscles, this means no more back pain!&nbsp;The correct way to do a plank is to make sure you are balancing yourself on your toes and elbows, if your are doing arm planks then you are supposed to balance yourself on your palms (start off in a pushup position) while keeping your core tight and your back straight. You can do elbow planks as a beginner or put your knees on the ground to make it easier. If you want to increase difficulty you can do either an active plank which requires you to flex and extend your abdomen or a marching plank where you balance yourself on alternate feet and arms. And no you don’t have to be able to hold a 1 minute plank in your first attempt. You can start off with as little as 20 seconds and build your capacity from there.&nbsp;

Side Planks

This is great for your obliques which usually get ignored amongst all the ab exercises. It also engages your glutes and shoulder muscles and is an overall effective body weight exercise. All the same rules as the plank apply, you can start with a 20 second side plank and you can start at beginner level.&nbsp;The correct way to do this is by putting one elbow on the floor and facing the front of your body entirely to one side while balancing yourself on your feet. You can drop down one knee to make it easier. If you are pro you can do an active side plank by adding a hip dip to make it tougher and challenge more of your muscles.&nbsp;

Mountain Climbers

&nbsp;Another exercise that engages and works multiple parts of the body including your core, abs, obliques, arms, back and shoulders. These can be done in sets of 3 with however many reps you&rsquo;re comfortable with (start with 10/15 and build up to 30). Since this is an active exercise that you can either slow down or speed up, it does give you similar benefit as <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/why-is-both-cardio-and-strength-training-important-for-a-total-body-workout">doing cardio</a> by getting your <a href="https://merisehat.pk/page/sehat-scan/">heart rate</a> up and making you sweat.&nbsp;

In order to perform mountain climbers you start off in a push up stance, make sure your back is straight and nothing is sticking up, pick your feet and bring your knees to your chest. You can also bring alternate knees to your chest to engage obliques.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Squats

&nbsp;The most dreaded yet the most beneficial of exercises perhaps, squats work your lower back, glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings and calves. They also help you burn calories and are great for your joints Although there are a ton of variations of squats but here we are going to discuss the basic squat technique. You start off with your feet a little more than your shoulders’ width apart, you can extend your arms in the front, palms facing the ground and lower down slowly making sure you put all your weight on your heels. Depending upon your flexibility, balance and coordination you can go down as much as possible but note that the deeper your squat the better it works. Now after holding this position for 5 seconds or more, slowly come back up to your original standing stance. You can hold onto something in front of you for example a kitchen counter top in order to make it easier to get back up. Or, to make it tougher, you can stop coming back up entirely to a standing pose before going back into a squat.

Lunges

The first noteworthy thing about lunges is that Jennifer Lopez prescribes them to get a body like hers. The second noteworthy thing is that they work your abs, back, quadriceps, glutes, calves and hamstrings while also helping you lose weight and build up more coordination and balance. These can be forward lunges, reverse lunges, side lunges or one of the countless other variations.&nbsp;Let’s see how to do a basic stationary lunge: you stand in the same wide stance with your feet parallel to each other as you do at the beginning of a squat, hold your arms either in front of you or put them on your hips, lift up one leg and put it in front of you as far as you can go, bend your knee at a 90 degree angle and slowly lower yourself while keeping your upper body straight. As a beginner this is the easiest body weight exercise you can start off with. To make it tougher put one leg up onto something behind you before going into a lunge.&nbsp;

Pushups

The classic pushup works your chest muscles (pectorals etc.), shoulders, arms (triceps, deltoids), glutes, quads and abs. It’s also great for your back and joints. It has quite a few variations too and can be simplified for those who are just starting off.&nbsp;&nbsp; In order to do a pushup you first need to get on all fours and position your arms just a little wider than your shoulders, make sure you keep your elbows lax because this is where the movement will be, keep your back straight and core tight and slowly lower your chest to the ground as far as you can go. Your elbows should end up at a 90 degree bend. Beginners can start with wall pushups as it still engages your core and works your glutes, abs and quads or you can drop down to your knees and perform the rest of the pushup as it is. If you have been working out for a while and consider yourself a pro, you can make it harder by doing a lifted pushup which requires you to keep your feet up on an elevated surface. This helps you put more weight on your hands.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr. Safia Mehmood

How Exercise Can Keep You Young

What happens to our body as we age? We experience:

<ul>
	<li>Decreased Muscle Mass:&nbsp;Once we&rsquo;re past our late 20s, our muscle mass progressively starts to decrease with age and so does our nerve conduction. This results in a loss of <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/body-weight-exercises-for-strength-training">strength</a>, difficulty doing everyday tasks, increases the risks of falls and injuries and can also lead to gait and balance disturbances.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Our Joints Start To Stiffen:&nbsp;One of the most noticeable changes is how stiff our bodies get. That&rsquo;s mostly because the cartilage in our joints wears down over time and we experience a loss of fluid as well. Otherwise, also known as osteoarthritis.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A Gradual Loss Of Bone Mass: Crossing 30 years of age, it&rsquo;s all downhill for our bones. We have peak bone density around that time and then start to experience a gradual loss. Menopausal women, especially, are at risk as changes in hormone levels can also increase the rate of bone loss resulting in brittle bones (osteoporosis), which increases the risk of painful fractures as well.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Benefit Of Exercise

Ageing inevitably affects our quality of life. For most people, they fear it will be for the worst.&nbsp;It doesn&rsquo;t have to be.&nbsp;

Our chronological age and your body&rsquo;s biological age do not have to be the same. Our chronological age is the number of years we&rsquo;ve been alive, whereas our biological age refers to the epigenetic alteration and DNA methylation. In simple words, how well our bodies are functioning, and whether we have diseases correlated to old age.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

We now know that exercise is not only one of the best defences against the toughest aspects of ageing, but over time, it makes your body stronger and &lsquo;anti ages&rsquo; it, only to a certain degree of course.&nbsp; 
Why exercise is the best anti-ageing practise?&nbsp;Not only does it improve heart and lung health, but even a modest amount of physical activity is good for the bones, muscles, brain and mood.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

There have been many studies that have shown that adopting exercise as a permanent feature of your lifestyle not only keeps people physically and mentally healthier for longer, but it also delays eventual cognitive decline and the onset of over 40 chronic ageing related conditions or diseases.&nbsp;

Exercise is also known to alleviate anxiety and depression and helps in managing stress. In turn, it also helps people live longer.&nbsp;

Unsurprisingly, the sooner you start exercising and the longer you do it, the better. Exercise is very important for healthy functioning of the mind and body at any age. Humans were made to move.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

You don&rsquo;t have to run a marathon to reap the benefits of exercise. Even modest physical activity, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, gardening or going for a walk around the block has physical and mental/cognitive benefits, as long as it&rsquo;s done regularly and consistently.&nbsp;While moderate physical activity is good, it&rsquo;s not enough if you want your body to perform at its very optimum. There are specific targeted exercises that we must all do, regardless of age, as they enable to our body to remain healthier for longer.&nbsp;

We must engage in cardiovascular <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/body-weight-exercises-for-strength-training">exercises and in strength training</a>.&nbsp;Cardiovascular exercise helps in strengthening the heart and lungs. There are many types of cardio workouts to choose from, which includes walking, cycling, swimming, badminton, using the elliptical in the gym, or any physical activity that raises the heart rate for an extended period of time.&nbsp;

Strength training helps build and maintain muscle mass. You can do exercises that use your own body weight to give you that feeling of resistance. Strength training is most commonly done by incorporating weights, balls or resistance bands into your workout. You can also do strength training by doing certain moderate-to-intensive yoga workouts. 
&nbsp;

The benefits of exercise are experienced at all ages and at every level. Even if you haven&rsquo;t always been active, starting with just a&nbsp;few minutes of activity per day&nbsp;and slowly increasing your intensity and duration can have major benefits on your musculoskeletal health, decrease the risk of injury, and prevent age-related loss of mobility and function.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

In an aging population, exercises that combine cardiovascular activity with strength, flexibility, and balance training may have the most positive impact on overall health and functional outcomes. With regular exercise, you can still stay &lsquo;young&rsquo; despite getting older!

Rukhsana Rizwan

The Paradox Of Exercise: Vital For Health, Less Effective For Weight Loss

Exercise is often associated with shedding excess pounds and achieving an ideal body weight. While this is one of its benefits, the true value of exercise extends far beyond mere weight loss. Regular physical activity contributes to overall health, longevity, improved mood, enhanced cardiovascular function, and increased muscle strength. Let&#39;s explore why exercise might not always lead to the dramatic weight loss some expect. 
&nbsp;

The Paradox of Exercise

<ul>
	<li>The Mathematics Of Weight Loss: Weight loss fundamentally revolves around the energy balance equation: expending more calories than you consume. Exercise helps increase the &quot;calories out&quot; component of this equation by burning energy. However, this equation is influenced by various factors, and the interaction between exercise and calorie consumption is more intricate than a simple one-to-one relationship.</li>
	<li>Unintentional Compensation: A common pitfall is the tendency to inadvertently consume more calories after exercising, often underestimating the amount burned during the workout. This phenomenon, known as compensation, can counteract the calorie deficit created by exercise and impede weight loss progress. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Calories In Vs Calories Out

<ul>
	<li>The Body&#39;s Efficient Machine: Regular exercise stimulates the body to become more energy-efficient, especially in response to consistent cardiovascular workouts. While this efficiency is beneficial for endurance and fitness, it can make weight loss more challenging as the body becomes adept at conserving energy.</li>
	<li>Metabolism And Caloric Expenditure: Contrary to popular belief, exercise doesn&#39;t always lead to a substantial increase in resting metabolic rate. Studies show that while there might be a temporary boost post-workout, this effect is often modest and may not translate to significant calorie burn throughout the day. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>The Hunger Hormones: Intense physical activity can trigger the release of hunger hormones, such as ghrelin. This hormonal response can lead to an increase in appetite, potentially causing individuals to consume more calories than they burned during exercise.</li>
	<li>Balancing The Scale: Exercisers sometimes overestimate the number of calories burned during a workout, leading to overcompensation through larger meals or indulgent treats. This phenomenon underscores the importance of mindful eating to avoid unintentional overconsumption. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Building Lean Muscle: Exercise, particularly resistance training, contributes to the growth of lean muscle mass. While this has metabolic benefits and can lead to a toned appearance, it might not necessarily translate to significant weight loss on the scale due to the density of muscle tissue.</li>
	<li>Shifting Body Composition: Exercise-induced muscle gain can offset fat loss on the scale. Although body fat percentage decreases, the scale might not show the desired drop in weight. This shift, while beneficial for health and fitness, can lead to frustration if weight loss is the primary goal. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>A Holistic Approach: Instead of solely focusing on weight loss, consider a broader perspective. Exercise offers a range of benefits, from improved cardiovascular health and enhanced mood to increased energy levels and better sleep quality.</li>
	<li>Setting Realistic Expectations: Understand that weight loss is influenced by various factors, including genetics, diet, metabolism, and hormones. Rather than expecting exercise alone to drive significant weight loss, aim for a balanced approach that includes healthy eating habits and mindful lifestyle choices. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Exercise unquestionably plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and vibrant life. While it might not be the primary driver of dramatic weight loss, its positive impact on overall health, fitness, and well-being is undeniable. By recognizing the complexities of the relationship between exercise and weight loss, individuals can set realistic goals, make informed choices, and appreciate the multifaceted benefits that physical activity brings to their lives.

Strength training is the healthiest available option for people who want to improve their fitness, regardless of sex or gender. Also known as resistance training or <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/body-weight-exercises-for-strength-training" target="_blank">weight lifting, strength training</a> focuses upon using one&rsquo;s own body weight against them or adding external weights to build muscular endurance. 
&nbsp;

The main idea is to build lean muscle mass by gradually increasing resistance to weight. This is known as progressive overload. Here are some of the main benefits of strength training, applicable to men and women alike:&nbsp;

Miracle Fitness Routine

<ul>
	<li>Decreased Risk For Cardiovascular Disease: Strength training improves heart health. By building musculature, it increases the surface area for blood to be pumped (fat cells do not require blood), which in turn stresses the arteries to perform better and the heart to pump more blood.</li>
	<li>Optimises Fat Burning Efficiency: Strength training boosts resting metabolism by increasing excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). Furthermore, muscle mass expends energy to maintain itself, which means that one can burn more calories at rest.</li>
	<li>Increases Bone Strength: Weight training reduces the risk for osteoporosis (bone degradation) because it causes strain on the bone cells. The body responds to this by increasing bone density to handle the strain. This is especially beneficial for women, as women are at an increased risk for osteoporosis later on in life.</li>
	<li>Decreased Risk For Injury: Strength training is not dangerous at all. In fact, it reduces the risk for injury by boosting one&rsquo;s range of mobility. Through various exercises, the body adapts to a greater degree of flexibility and activates more muscles than we use in everyday life.</li>
	<li>Improves Mental Wellbeing: People who strength train are reported to have a better mental health than those who do not. It&rsquo;s not just because exercise produces endorphins; strength training boosts self-esteem due to a greater degree of accomplishment and reward each time the resistance is increased.&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

It&rsquo;s important to mention that the idea that women might &ldquo;bulk up&rdquo; due to weight lifting is not possible because they simply do not have enough testosterone in their bodies. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for bulking up or appearing masculine and the absence of it considerably delays or makes difficult the process of achieving a hefty musculature. In fact, strength training might give women the appearance of being leaner, as muscle occupies less space than fat in the body.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Strength training is as beneficial for women as it is for men &mdash; or even more so &mdash; and women can perform much better at it than men all due to the presence of the oestrogen hormone. Estrogen not only influences bone maturation, but also strengthens muscles and their surrounding tissue, such as tendons and ligaments. While women may experience a range of performance as estrogen levels rise and fall throughout their cycle, the fitness routine in itself is better for them. This is because the risk for osteoporosis rises after menopause, when estrogen levels permanently dip.

So, weight lifting is not a masculine activity. In fact, it should be an imperative aspect of one&rsquo;s fitness routine regardless of their sex assigned at birth or the gender that they identify with.