Exercise can play a crucial role in preventing and treating numerous physical and mental health conditions, as recommended by major health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization, and the American Heart Association. It is so important that the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) suggests incorporating physical activity assessment as a vital sign during medical visits.
Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for various health issues like Type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and certain cancers. Increasing fitness levels can help reduce the risk of these conditions and provide additional benefits such as improved sleep quality, memory, and cognitive skills.
While Western medicine often leans towards a pharmacological approach, integrating exercise into preventive measures and treatment plans is a low-risk, cost-effective, and efficient strategy. The “Exercise is Medicine” initiative, launched by the ACSM and the American Medical Association, aims to make physical activity assessment and promotion a standard practice in clinical care.
However, many physicians do not regularly discuss physical activity with their patients due to factors like time constraints, lack of training in exercise science, and a focus on medication-based treatments. Encouraging patients to engage in regular exercise through personalized exercise prescriptions can lead to positive outcomes, as patients are more likely to adhere to a specific exercise plan when treated similarly to a medication prescription.
Patients can request an exercise prescription from their healthcare provider and explore options like gym memberships or exercise programs that may be covered by insurance plans or health savings accounts. By incorporating exercise prescriptions into preventive and therapeutic care, both patients and doctors can benefit from the positive impact of physical activity on overall health and well-being.
Source link
