Jul 4, 2007 5:50 pm US/Eastern
Baby Boomers Suffering More Sports Injuries
by Dr. Mallika Marshall
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
More and more baby boomers are trying to stay in shape, and suffering injuries as a result. Doctors warn you have to ease into it, especially if you are older or haven't exercised in a while. In fact because of baby boomers, sports injuries are now the number two reason people visit a doctor's office.
Michael Schaivo, 48, is an avid runner who learned his lesson the hard way. "I went for a nice run and pretty much broke down four miles into it," Schaivo said.
Schaivo had been overworking his knees. He needed six weeks of physical therapy and to change up his routine to get back on track.
"I was doing a lot of running. Now I'm mixing it up with things like the elliptical trainer and bicycle," he said.
The most common injuries are tendonitis, bursitis and arthritis involving the ankle and shoulder.
"Some of these athletes, they are not fit enough and suddenly decide they want to get fit," said Dr. Dinesh Patel of Mass General Hospital. "So I'll run two miles today, five tomorrow, and ten the day after. Their body can not tolerate it."
To help prevent injuries, be sure to warm up and stretch properly before you exercise. Make sure you condition your body and gradually increase the intensity of activity. Most importantly, listen to your body and don't over-exert yourself.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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