Are you as active as you should be?

Are you as active as you should be?

In less than 15 minutes a day, you can do a few simple and effective strengthening exercises that may help you set some health and wellness goals. Below are some simple exercises that can be done just about anywhere, according to Yourtracktohealth.com.

Yourtracktohealth.com is your online gateway to information, tools and resources about your railroad health and welfare benefits.

Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program or increasing your activity level. This is especially important if you have any health conditions (i.e. arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy, neck, back or knee problems, etc.). He or she can tell you what types and amounts of activities are safe and suitable for you.

If you experience any symptoms of weakness, unsteadiness, light-headedness or dizziness, chest pain or pressure, nausea, or shortness of breath while exercising, stop immediately and contact your doctor. If it is an emergency, call 911. Mild soreness after exercise may be experienced after beginning a new exercise. Contact your physician if the soreness does not improve after two to three days.

Connect with a personal health coach to help you get and stay on track with your health.

Don’t forget that as part of your railroad benefits, you have access to a personal health coach who can work with you to develop an exercise plan to help improve your overall health. To connect with a health coach, contact your medical benefit administrator:

• Aetna members: Railroad Employees National Plan: (800) 842-4044; NRC/UTU Plan: (888-332-8742).

• Highmark Blue Cross BlueShield members: (866) 267-3320.

• UnitedHealthcare members: (866) 735-5685

For more health and wellness information to help you maintain or achieve better health, visit the Live Healthy section of Yourtracktohealth.com.