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Don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions. Your family physician is there to provide you with advice on your health and this should include physical activity! Here are some questions you can ask your doctor at your next visit if they are not already discussing your physical activity with you:

Here are some other commonly asked questions and answers:

Q. How much physical activity is enough?
A: If you are inactive, doing anything is better then nothing! Studies show that people who have a low fitness level are much more likely to die early then people who have achieved a moderate level of fitness. The following chart indicates how often, how long and how hard you need to be active for health beneftis:

Time needed depends on effort. Use the Physical Activity Chart as your guide.

Very light Effort Light Effort 60 minutes
 Moderate Effort
30-60 minutes
Vigorous Effort
20-30 minutes
Maximum Effort
- strolling
- dusting 		- light walking
- volleyball
- easy gardening
- stretching 		- brisk walking
- biking
- raking leaves
- swimming
- dancing
- water aerobics		 - aerobics
- jogging
- hockey
- basketball
- fast swimming
- fast dancing		 - sprinting
- racing
  Range needed to stay healthy  
Q. I am a senior citizen. Is it too late for me to become physically active?
A: More and more older adults are proving every day that they aren't too old to exercise. In fact, the older you are, the more you need regular exercise. Studies have shown that no matter what your age, physical activity can contribute to improved health.
Q. I have been inactive for years. Shouldn't I see a doctor before I start becoming physically active?
A: People who are middle-aged or older who are inactive and at high risk for heart disease or who already have a medical condition should seek medical advice before they start or significantly increase their physical activity. Most apparently healthy people of any age can safely engage in moderate levels of physical activity without prior medical consultation.
Q. If I exercise, will I prevent heart disease?
A: Physical inactivity, along with cigarette smoking, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, is one of the major modifiable risk factors for heart attack. This is no guarantee that you will not get heart disease; however, your chances of heart disease developing are less if you increase your physical activity levels
Q. Is exercise safe?
A: The potential health benefits of exercise greatly outweigh the risk. Consult your doctor first if you have any concerns, have been sedentary, are overweight, are middle-aged or older or have a medical condition.