Underlying Orthopedic and Medical Conditions:

Many people who want to start running have health issues which should be addressed first. In general, men over the age of 40, and women over the age of 50, should be evaluated by their health care provider before embarking on a new, strenuous exercise regimen. Below is a series of questions regarding common medical and orthopedic conditions. If you answer Yes to any of these questions, you should be evaluated by your health care provider before starting your exercise program.


1. Have you ever been diagnosed with Heart or Vascular Disease (previous heart attacks, heart failure, high blood pressure, strokes, blood clots, heart rhythm disturbances)? 
2. Have you ever been diagnosed as having a heart murmur or other abnormal heart sound? 
3. Have you ever passed out, or almost passed out during exercise? 
4. Have you ever felt your heart beating in a strange or unusual fashion (palpitations)? 
5. Do you get pain in your chest at rest or with exertion? 
6. Is there any person in your family who has died from a heart problem before the age of 50? 
7. Do you have difficulty breathing when you exert yourself? 
8. Do you have asthma or exercise-induced asthma? 
9. Have you ever developed a rash or hives due to exercise? 
10. Have you ever become ill from exercising in the heat? 
11. Are you under the ongoing care of a doctor or other health care professional for a medical, orthopedic, or psychiatric condition? 
12. Are you using / supposed to be using medication prescribed by a health care professional for a medical, orthopedic, or psychiatric condition? 
13. Do you have a chronic orthopedic problem (such as arthritis of the knees) which could be made worse by running?