Swimming for Healthy Joints – and Beyond!
Horizons in Hemophilia, July 2012
By Cathy Hulbert, LCSW, Social Worker
Swimming has been recognized as a great form of exercise for people with bleeding disorders, and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are many other benefits too! For the general population it is reported that symptoms of anxiety and depression – often related to the complications of chronic illness – are frequently reduced with water-based sports.
Elders can stay active in the water longer and often find relief from stiff joints. Mothers and their unborn children can benefit from the physical and emotional comforts of spending time in the water.
Most people report enjoying water-based sports more than land-based sports, meaning they are more inclined to stick with the exercise, according to the CDC. “Exercising in water offers many physical and mental health benefits and is a good choice for people who want to be more active. When in the water, remember to protect yourself and others from illness and injury by practicing healthy and safe swimming behaviors,” according to the CDC.
For more information follow this link:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/health_benefits_water_exercise.html.
And here is a related link on preventing illness and injury related to being in the water:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/injury/index.html