Part 3: Important Things To Know When Getting Started

Most people do not need to see a doctor before they start a slow, sensible program of physical activity. You should talk with your doctor if you:

• Have heart trouble or have had a heart attack.
• Take medicine for high blood pressure or a heart condition.
• Want to do a harder activity, like jogging, and are over 40 years old if a man, or over 50 if a woman.
• Have more than one risk factor, like high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, overweight, or smoking.
• Have a family history of heart disease at an early age (before the age of 45 for men and 55 for women).