The Importance of Physical Activity: A Vital Sign

 

Exercise is Medicine, a global health initiative, encourages healthcare providers to assess patients' physical activity levels during visits and include regular exercise in care plans. This approach recognizes physical activity as a vital sign, promoting optimal health and preventing medical conditions. Despite progress, only a small percentage of adults receive advice from healthcare professionals to increase physical activity.

The initiative, launched in 2007, aims to merge healthcare and fitness programs. Studies show that regular physical activity reduces healthcare utilization and costs. For example, a study by Intermountain Health found that moderately to vigorously active individuals had half the healthcare utilization and costs compared to sedentary individuals.

Dr. Elizabeth Joy, chief medical officer at Lore Health and chair of the Exercise is Medicine governance board, notes that while progress has been made, more work is needed. Only 22.9% of adult women and 17.8% of adult men receive advice to increase physical activity. Joy emphasizes that writing a prescription takes little time, but evidence-based behavior-change counseling requires more effort.

Despite challenges, Exercise is Medicine has created various programs, including Exercise is Medicine on Campus, which promotes physical activity among students, faculty, and staff. Over 200 US schools and international institutions participate. Grand Valley State University, for example, has achieved gold status, offering free personal training, group fitness classes, and wellness coaching.

Communities can also inspire fitness. People are more likely to engage in healthy behavior changes when supported by their community. Companies, schools, and media can promote physical activity, making it a social norm. Certified personal trainer Gerren Liles notes that uniting people in fitness classes inspires them to take charge of their health.

Dr. Joy emphasizes personal responsibility, encouraging individuals to influence those around them to prioritize physical activity. By making physical activity a vital sign, healthcare providers can impact patient health, and communities can inspire fitness. So, invite a friend or neighbor for a walk and make physical activity a priority.