Alex Janin writing in recent Wall Street Journal articles describes the longevity benefits of regular workouts. We herein draw on her articles detailing how such insightfulness applies to those of us on peritoneal dialysis regardless of age.
Introduction:
Living with peritoneal dialysis can be a challenging journey, but there are steps we can take to improve our health and well-being. While exercise is often associated with maintaining physical fitness and preventing chronic conditions, its positive impact extends far beyond that. In this blog entry, we will explore how the insightful findings on exercise’s benefits can be applied to peritoneal dialysis patients of all ages, offering a ray of hope and a path to better health. For each, I provide how I operationalize the concept in my own exercise regimen.
- Improved Cardiovascular Health:
Regular exercise has a profound effect on cardiovascular health, which is particularly crucial for peritoneal dialysis patients. Engaging in aerobic activities, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, helps strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation, and enhance lung function. By incorporating regular workouts into their routine, peritoneal dialysis patients can reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications, such as heart disease and hypertension, both of which are common among individuals with kidney disease.
As I have previously blogged about, with malice of forethought, my wife and I brought onboard a frisky male golden retriever named Dickens. From my perspective, I agreed to have the third golden in our lives for a very selfish reason – I knew he would need to be exercised night and day, and that I would be part of that effort. It has paid off. I walk him faithfully every morning, regardless of the temperature or weather. He is a golden and essentially impervious to the elements and ready to go without regard to global warming.
The second incentive in this area is I gave my wife an electric bike for Christman. Of course, I have to go on bike rides with her so I bought myself one that also has a seven-speed pedal assist. My intent is to incorporate bike riding into my exercise.
The third incentive I took was to gift my wife and me a set of pickleball rackets and paraphernalia. We have several pickleball courts in Heaven on Earth where we live to take advantage of.
The fourth is we have a massive amount of flowers and veggies growing on the half-acre lot that is our manicured yard which I am essentially the sole caretaker of. This involves gobs of up and down and weeding and pulling and tugging and just plain work. This is especially true in North Texas weather where we are scheduled to be in triple digits for about 40 days this summer.
Lastly, our son is building an ICF home about 45 minutes NE of us. At least once a week I try to spend most of a day with him working on some aspect of the building, usually involving something electrical where I can put my BS/MSEE to best advantage for him. See the video embedded at this blog’s end for a walkaround of what an ICF-built home looks like.
- Enhanced Mental Well-being:
Dealing with a chronic illness like peritoneal dialysis can take a toll on mental health. Fortunately, exercise has been proven to be a powerful mood booster and stress reliever. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers. Engaging in regular workouts not only helps combat anxiety and depression but also promotes a sense of well-being and improves overall mental resilience.
Writing this blog has improved my mental health. It has made me more attentive to detail, and always on the lookout for ideas or concepts that may provide insight to others through my writing.
- Weight Management and Muscle Strength:
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for peritoneal dialysis patients, as excess weight can put additional strain on the body and exacerbate existing health conditions. Regular exercise, combined with a balanced diet, can help manage weight effectively. Additionally, incorporating strength training exercises into the workout routine can improve muscle strength and endurance, further supporting the body’s ability to perform daily activities and improve the overall quality of life.
Excess weight has not been a problem for me. Before my eGFR tanked, I weighed in the 162-164 range consistently. Once my eGFR tanked, I got down to 137 at which time I started dialysis. My weight now is in the 149-152 range and is fairly consistent and holding.
- Bone Health and Joint Function:
Peritoneal dialysis patients are at an increased risk of developing bone and joint problems due to mineral and vitamin deficiencies. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or lifting weights, can help improve bone density and strengthen muscles, reducing the risk of fractures and improving overall bone health. Furthermore, regular workouts can alleviate joint pain and stiffness, enhancing mobility and allowing patients to engage in their daily activities with greater ease.
Bone density is of concern to my GP, especially at my age. In the past weeks, I have had a bone density scan and will report results when I know them. This is an area of concern.
- Increased Energy Levels:
Living with peritoneal dialysis often leads to feelings of fatigue and low energy levels. Paradoxically, engaging in regular exercise can actually boost energy levels and reduce feelings of tiredness. Exercise increases oxygen and nutrient delivery to the body’s tissues, improves sleep quality, and enhances overall stamina, resulting in increased energy levels throughout the day.
I don’t nap during the day and have no problems going to sleep once I hook up to the cycler and start my nightly dialysis routine. I attribute this to getting plenty of exercise and eating what is dictated that I need to eat.
Conclusion:
While peritoneal dialysis presents its challenges, incorporating regular workouts into your lifestyle can have a transformative impact on your health and well-being. As highlighted by Alex Janin’s insightful Wall Street Journal articles, exercise offers numerous benefits for longevity, and these benefits extend to peritoneal dialysis patients of all ages. By embracing physical activity, you can improve cardiovascular health, boost mental well-being, manage weight effectively, strengthen bones and joints, and increase your energy levels.
Attribution: WSJ ‘s Alex Janin for inspiration, AI for aide and attendance.
Excellent article on your part! Keep on keepin’ on!!