Fit as Fido

Getting Fit As Fido When You Have Cystic Fibrosis

05.12.2010 // Fit As Fido // Dawn A. Marcus, M.D. // No Comments

Exercise is important for everyone — including those with chronic disease. Unfortunately, people with chronic illness generally get less exercise than healthy individuals — in some cases due to physical limitations, but in other cases due to undue fear about harm from exercise.

In the May issue of the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, recommendations are given for exercising when you have one of several common childhood illnesses. Today, we’ll focus on the recommendations for kids with cystic fibrosis (CF).

First — why is exercise important for kids with CF?

Here’s a quote from the article that says it all, “Cystic fibrosis children with high aerobic fitness experience slower deterioration in lung function and greater survival rates.” In other words, CF kids who stay fit breath better and live longer.

Second — what cautions should I take when my CF kid exercises?

- Kids with CF may cough with exercise, although this is not thought to cause any significant injury.
- Kids with CF normally have a tough time getting in enough calories for good nutrition and exercise makes their calorie requirements higher. This may cause them to fatigue earlier than kids without CF.
- Kids with CF will lose more salt in their sweat than kids without CF. So exercising in hot or humid environments can be a problem. Make sure your kid stays well hydrated during exercise and drinks salt-containing beverages when exercising.

What are the experts’ recommendation for exercising with CF?

- Encourage your child to participate in most physical activities. DON’T scuba dive. And avoid collision sports if the spleen is enlarged or liver is affected.
- Include strength training.
- Individualize the exercise program to fit your child’s needs and limitations.
- Your child doesn’t need to stop exercising if she coughs.
- Add extra calories when exercising.
- Drink flavored, salt-containing drinks during exercise.
- Talk to your doctor about how much exercise is appropriate for your child — especially if he or she has more severe CF.

Getting started
A great way for anyone to get started exercising is through a walking program with Fido. So download your free Fit As Fido exercise diary and look for a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Great Strides Walk in your neighborhood. Then whistle for Fido, grab a leash, get some snacks and beverages to take along, and start getting Fit As Fido!