Health walk questionnaire

Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire

Regular physical activity is fun and healthy. More and more people are starting to become increasingly active every day. Being active is very safe for most people. However, some people should check with their doctor before they start.

If you are planning to become much more physically active than you are now, start by answering the seven questions below. If you are between the ages of 15 and 69 the PAR-Q will tell you if you should check with your doctor before you start. If you are over 69 years and you are not used to being very active, check with your doctor anyway. Common sense is the best guide when you answer these questions. Please read the questions carefully and answer each one honestly.

1. Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should only do physical activity recommended by a doctor?
2. Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?
3. In the past month have you had a pain in your chest when you were not doing physical activity?/ Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness?
4. Do you have a bone or joint problem that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity?
5. Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs (water pills, for example) for your blood pressure or heart condition?
6. Do you know of any reason why you should not do physical activity?

If you answered YES to one or more questions:

• Speak to your doctor on the telephone or in person BEFORE you start becoming much more physically active or BEFORE you have a fitness appraisal. Tell your doctor about the PAR-Q and the questions to which you answered YES.
  
• You may be able to do any activity you want - as long as you start slowly and build up gradually. You may need to restrict your activities to those which are safe for you. Talk with your doctor about the kinds of activities in which you wish to participate and follow your doctor's advice.

You should delay becoming much more active:

• If you are not feeling well because of a temporary illness such as a cold or fever - wait until you feel better.
  
• If you are or may be pregnant - talk to your doctor before you start becoming more active.