Boomer alert: Exercise can injure

SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- A U.S. doctor warns baby boomers to listen to their bodies and take precautions when active because it's a lot easier to be injured at age 50 than 20.

Dr. James A. Keeney, an orthopedic surgeon in San Antonio, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports 149,000 people -- ages 45 to 64 -- were treated for injuries related to exercise and exercise equipment in 2007.

"When you are 50, you may injure your body more easily than when you were 20," Keeney says in a statement. "Joints, tissues and muscles may not be as flexible as they used to be. So as you get older, you need to take extra steps to protect yourself from injuries when you exercise."

The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons says boomers can prevent exercise injuries by:

-- Getting the doctor's OK before beginning any exercise program, especially if there's been a previous injury.

-- Warming up. Cold muscles are more likely to get injured, so start with some light exercise for at least three to five minutes.

-- Developing a balanced program and get moderate, regular exercise.

-- Not being a "weekend warrior"; moderate exercise every day is healthier.