Beware General Advice – It might not fit YOU!

In an earlier blog, I shared my thoughts on walking as a form of exercise that is generally healthy and helpful.  In consulting with my medical expert friends, I want to add a caution to that message.  General advice is not for everyone.  There are many people for whom walking is neither healthy nor helpful.  For example, someone with new joint replacements should only do exercise under the supervision of a qualified professional such as a properly trained DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy).  For those with chronic back conditions or certain types of arthritis, it may be better to get a cardio workout from something like a recumbent bicycle.  Reducing weight and wear and tear on those lower joints is more appropriate than walking which does put stress on those same joints.

And the general advice on 64 ounces of water also comes with a caution.  It may be too much or too little.  If you’re in a hot, dry climate and you spend time outside either working or exercising, you will more than likely need more.  On the other hand, if you don’t add enough electrolyte content to your water, it can be too much.  My doctor told me that too much water is as harmful as too little.  Excess hydration is actually a dangerous medical condition requiring immediate treatment. 

One reliable measure of whether you’re properly hydrated is the color of your urine.  (generally speaking!) For the right level of hydration, urine will be clear to very pale yellow.  The darker the urine, the more likely it is that you are underhydrated.  Be careful about relying on whether or not you feel thirsty.  Thirst can be an indicator of other health issues like diabetes. 

Here’s one general piece of advice that I think will suit everyone.  When you have questions relating to your health, speak with a qualified medical professional who has your medical history, the right qualifications and an understanding of your living circumstances.  If you want advice on exercise, talk to a qualified physical therapist.  For advice on nutrition, talk to a trained specialist in nutrition.  Be careful about relying on AI generated responses because all too often there can be errors either in how the question is asked or on the data from which AI is pulling its responses.  Garbage in … garbage out, right?  Empowered choices are the ones that fit you and your unique self.