Health Tip: Run Safely

Even running or jogging can lead to injury unless you take the time to prepare.

The American Council on Exercise offers these suggestions:

• Always warm up before and cool down after your run. Gently stretch your muscles to help prevent soreness.
• Make sure you're not overdoing it. Speaking out loud continuously for 30 seconds should be challenging, but not too difficult.
• When your muscles are too tired and sore, back down on intensity, duration and frequency of your runs.
• Alternate running days with strength-training days.
• Don't increase running distance by more than 10 percent per week.
• Only run if you enjoy it.