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The global health initiative “Exercise is Medicine” (EIM) aims to integrate physical activity assessment and promotion into healthcare. Managed by the American College of Sports Medicine, this initiative encourages healthcare providers to evaluate patients’ physical activity levels and include exercise in care plans.
The underlying philosophy is that physical activity promotes optimal health and can prevent and treat various medical conditions.
The Importance of Physical Activity
Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health and reducing healthcare costs. Studies have shown that people who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week have significantly lower healthcare utilization and costs compared to sedentary individuals.
Despite these benefits, only a small percentage of adults are advised by healthcare professionals to increase their physical activity levels.
Challenges and Initiatives
With primary care visits often lasting less than 20 minutes, addressing physical activity can be challenging for healthcare providers. To combat this, EIM has created various programs and initiatives to promote exercise outside of the doctor’s office.
Exercise is Medicine on Campus: This program helps colleges and universities promote physical activity among students, faculty, and staff. Over 200 US schools and numerous international institutions participate, offering free personal training, group fitness classes, and wellness coaching.
Moving Through Cancer: This initiative provides exercise and rehabilitation programming for individuals living with cancer. Physical activity during cancer treatment can reduce side effects, improve recovery, and lower the risk of cancer recurrence.
Rx for Health Series: This series offers exercise prescriptions for individuals with chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s, depression, anxiety, osteoarthritis, and heart failure.
Overcoming Barriers in Healthcare
Incorporating exercise into healthcare practices is not without its challenges. Primary care visits are often brief, making it difficult for healthcare providers to address physical activity adequately. However, EIM emphasizes the importance of finding creative solutions to integrate exercise discussions into patient visits.
One approach is to utilize technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs), to prompt healthcare providers to discuss physical activity during appointments.
EHRs can include templates or reminders for healthcare providers to assess and document patients’ physical activity levels, making it easier to incorporate exercise recommendations into care plans.
The Role of Community Support
EIM emphasizes the role of community support in promoting physical activity. People are more likely to engage in and maintain healthy behaviors when supported by their family, neighborhood, workplace, or faith-based community. Certified personal trainer Gerren Liles notes the positive impact of workplace fitness classes on employee health.
Community-based programs can also play a significant role in encouraging physical activity. Local governments, non-profit organizations, and community centers can organize fitness classes, walking groups, and recreational sports leagues to provide accessible opportunities for physical activity.
These programs can foster a sense of community and make exercise more enjoyable and sustainable.
Personal Responsibility and Healthy Behaviors
Healthy behaviors are contagious, and individuals have a responsibility to influence those around them positively. Simple actions like inviting a friend or neighbor for a walk can foster a culture of physical activity.
Encouraging family members, friends, and colleagues to be more active can create a supportive environment that makes it easier for everyone to maintain healthy habits.
Parents and caregivers can also play a crucial role in promoting physical activity among children and adolescents.
By setting a positive example and encouraging active play, parents can help instill lifelong healthy habits in their children. Schools and youth organizations can support these efforts by providing opportunities for physical activity through physical education classes, sports teams, and after-school programs.
The Benefits of Exercise for Specific Conditions
Exercise is beneficial for overall health, but it also has specific benefits for various medical conditions. For example, regular physical activity can help manage chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Exercise can improve cardiovascular health, regulate blood sugar levels, and aid in weight management.
For individuals with mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, exercise can be an effective complementary treatment. Physical activity can boost mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety, and improve overall mental well-being. Exercise has also been shown to enhance cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults.
Integrating Exercise into Chronic Disease Management
Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, can significantly impact individuals’ quality of life and increase healthcare costs. However, regular physical activity can help manage these conditions and improve overall health outcomes. EIM promotes the integration of exercise into chronic disease management plans to enhance patient care and outcomes.
For individuals with diabetes, exercise can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Regular physical activity can also aid in weight management, which is crucial for managing diabetes. Healthcare providers can work with patients to develop personalized exercise plans that take into account their specific needs and limitations.
Exercise Prescription for Mental Health
Mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, are prevalent worldwide and can significantly impact individuals’ quality of life. Exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on mental health, serving as a complementary treatment for these conditions. EIM encourages healthcare providers to prescribe exercise as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals with mental health conditions.
Physical activity can boost mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety, and improve overall mental well-being. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers, and can also reduce levels of stress hormones. Additionally, engaging in regular physical activity can improve sleep quality and increase energy levels, which are often affected by mental health conditions.
Promoting Exercise in Special Populations
Certain populations, such as older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those with chronic health conditions, may face unique challenges when it comes to engaging in regular physical activity. EIM emphasizes the importance of tailoring exercise recommendations to meet the needs of these special populations.
For older adults, regular physical activity can help maintain mobility, reduce the risk of falls, and improve overall quality of life. Exercise programs for older adults should focus on strength training, balance exercises, and flexibility to address age-related changes in muscle mass and joint function.
Individuals with disabilities can also benefit from regular physical activity, which can improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and overall well-being. Adaptive exercise programs and accessible facilities can help make physical activity more inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities.
Conclusion
Exercise is Medicine continues to educate healthcare providers about the importance of assessing and promoting physical activity. By integrating exercise into healthcare and leveraging community support, EIM aims to improve public health and reduce healthcare costs.
Encouraging regular physical activity is a shared responsibility that benefits individuals and society as a whole. Through collaborative efforts, innovative programs, and a commitment to promoting physical activity, Exercise is Medicine is helping to create a healthier, more active world.
