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Welcome to the online version of the 2006 Lowcountry Physicians Directory.

Here you will find vital information to help you make decisions about the health-care providers best for you.

Listings are divided into 33 specialties and feature physicians' areas of practice, educational background, professional memberships and the types of insurance accepted. Addresses, telephone numbers and web sites are also provided.

Seniors and Exercise

Staying Active Does a Body Good

It’s important for people of all ages, especially seniors, to stay active. According to the Centers for Disease Control, being physically active can reduce your risk of dying from heart disease and decreases the risk for colon cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Physical activity also helps control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles and joints; relieves the pain of arthritis; reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression; and can decrease the need for hospitalizations, physician visits and medications.

Indeed, there’s a lot riding on incorporating exercise into your lifestyle.

There’s no better time than the present to start exercising. Be sure to check with your doctor before increasing your physical activity, especially if you have a chronic disease or family history of chronic disease, chest pain, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, blood clots, infections or fever, joint swelling, hip surgery or a hernia.

Here are some tips to help seniors get started:

• Don’t just jump into a fitness routine. First, stretch your arms, legs and back. Start off slowly, gradually increasing the pace of your exercise. Don’t do too much too soon or you will hurt yourself. For example, start with 10 minutes of walking and go to 20 and then 30 minutes, the AARP suggests. For a strength-training program using weights and machines, talk to a fitness instructor about how much weight to lift and how to use the machines properly.

• Exercise should make you feel better, not worse. A little soreness, discomfort or fatigue is normal, but listen to your body – if you feel lightheaded, short of breath, develop a sudden, severe headache, are sweating excessively, or have pains in the chest, stomach or anywhere else, you should stop exercising. If symptoms persist, contact your doctor.

• Be aware that medications can affect your heart rate. If you are on medication or have a condition that alters your heart rate, don’t use your pulse as a judge of how fast your heart is or should be beating.

• Wear the proper protective equipment for your activity. If you’re biking, wear a helmet. If you’re in-line skating, wear a helmet and knee and elbow pads. Protective gear should be of good quality and fit properly. It may be expensive, but it’s an expense that’s well worth it.

• Watch out for the elements. If it’s hot, exercise in the early morning or early evening when it’s cooler, or stay in the shade and wear lightweight clothing. If it’s cold, dress in layers, and be careful of ice.

• Replenish lost fluids. It’s especially important to stay hydrated when you’re engaging in exercise that makes you sweat. Drink before, during and after exercise to prevent dehydration.

• A cool-down is just as important as a warm-up. Stretch your arms, legs and back to bring your heart rate back to its normal level.

– Metro Creative Graphics

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