High Risk Season For Exercising Outdoors

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- We are now in what I call the high risk period for exercise.

Think about it. Daylight Savings Time is a distant memory. The temperature is approaching freezing on most days and the holiday season is about to start. Why is this high risk? If you are someone who exercises outdoors and wants to begin that jog or bike ride when you get home from work, you will be exercising in the dark.

This means that you need to wear reflective clothing because it will be tough for drivers to see you---especially tough if they are returning from holiday parties with the potential for alcohol abuse.

The other problem is that with lower temperatures, there is a greater chance to pull muscles or slip on hidden ice patches.

Believe me, I am not saying that you should not exercise. Exercise is best when done consistently. The problem is that you need to be very careful and take much more into account.

Think about your surroundings and potential issues.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor