Exercise is Medicine
by Phil D’Angelo

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Medical Association (AMA) have launched Exercise is Medicine™, a new program designed to encourage Americans to incorporate physical activity and exercise into their daily routine. It also calls on doctors to prescribe exercise to their patients.

A recent public survey conducted by ACSM found that nearly two-thirds of patients would be interested in exercising to stay healthy if advised by their doctor and given additional resources. Four out of 10 physicians talk to their patients about the importance of exercise, but don’t always offer suggestions on the best ways to be physically active. 25% of those patients surveyed look to their doctor first for advice on exercise and physical activity; 24% turn to fitness and health web sites.

The goal of the program is to encourage physicians to record physical activity as a vital sign during patient visits. Able patients will be advised to participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity and 10 minutes of stretching and light muscle training five days a week.
A new web site—www.exerciseismedicine.org—contains educational materials and toolkits for physicians to use in their practices. The site also includes information for patients, the media, and support organizations. Educational models will be developed for use in medical schools so students can learn the importance of prescribing exercise to patients early in their careers.

Physical inactivity is a fast-growing public health problem in this country and contributes to a variety of chronic diseases and health complications, including obesity, coronary artery disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, depression and anxiety, arthritis, and osteoporosis. In addition to improving a patient’s overall health, increasing physical activity has proven effective in the treatment and prevention of chronic disease.

Today, an estimated 65% of the US population is overweight, so this new program couldn't come at a better time. Clearly, physicians are the best individuals to educate, encourage, and motivate patients about the health benefits of a structured fitness program to reduce illness and disease. If things work out, the Exercise is Medicine™ program will be a springboard for the fitness industry to alert health care providers to refer patients to fitness professionals with proper exercise prescriptions.  This is crucial, because functional fitness helps each of us perform basic living skills with greater ease.  The end result is a better quality of life. 

In my practice, I counsel that exercise programs should contain six fitness components to have a direct impact on quality of life.  They are:
 
1. Cardiovascular fitness
2. Muscular strength
3. Muscular endurance
4. Flexibility
5. Appropriate body mass index
6. Core strength (balance)

While it is often hard for patients to start and stay on an exercise program, those who do find life-changing results.  Talk to your doctor on your next visit to see how you can benefit.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Phil D’Angelo has been involved in the fitness industry for 35 years as a certified exercise fitness and post rehab conditioning professional. He works closely with the medical community to develop effective fitness programs and sees clients at both the Penfield Fitness and Racquet Club and at Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation in Perinton.  He can be reached at (585) 586-7777 or (585) 425-1018.