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Stretch Your Chances Of Avoiding Muscle Injury

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It seems like such a simple concept taking time to stretch and relax but most of us don't find time in the day to do this and that can be a terrible mistake.

As we get older we get tighter. It is a combination of things. We have more pressures in our lives and our body is less flexible than it used to be. Many of us spend the day on the computers or sitting behind a desk. We drive long distances in the car and we get little exercise. We tend to forget the things that kept us healthy when we were younger.

I know it seems as if it will be a big problem in your day but if you spend a few moments stretching you can seriously reduce your chances of serious muscle injury.

One piece of advice is that if you're going to stretch, do it after a short aerobic workout so that you are loose. It will make the stretching much less difficult.

The other key point is to start slow, don't expect miracles and just try to stretch as well as you can. It will make a big difference in your overall health.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor

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