We hear quite often about the importance of exercise to help those with diabetes. We hear it less often as a control for asthma and allergies. I have suffered with chronic nasal allergies my entire life. I was diagnosed with asthma at the age of 20. Today I am 52.
Over the course of my life I have been on many, many prescription medications to help control my asthma and allergies. I remain on several today. However, I have learned over time that the best treatment for my asthma is regular exercise. I can usually be found at the Y six days a week, most often in the early morning. My current routine includes playing basketball at 5:30 am, weight training and mixed cardio routines including running the stairs at the high school, the machines at the Y, bike riding, swimming, etc.
I prefer the early morning routines as it is the best way to clean out my lungs and nasal passages to start out my day. I often wake up congested, but by the time I get home at 7:00 am, my lungs and nasal passages are clear, I am full of energy and ready to start my day.
I find that regular exercise keeps my asthma in check and reduces the amount of prescription and over the counter medicine I need to function normally. I also understand, however, that asthma is different for different people and exercise can actually induce an asthma attack in some people. Therefore, it is important that those not used to exercise consult a physician before undergoing any strenuous exercise. For me, however, exercise is the best medicine and I am fortunate to have the Rye Y as the best and most convenient location to get my exercise in.
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