Your level of physical activity could be a vital sign

Sign up for a newsletter series that aims to improve fitness routines and provide expert-backed guidance. The initiative called Exercise is Medicine encourages healthcare providers to evaluate patients’ physical activity levels and integrate exercise into their care plans. The program emphasizes that physical activity promotes good health and can help prevent and treat various medical conditions. An observational study showed that individuals who engaged in moderate to vigorous activity for at least 150 minutes per week had lower healthcare utilization and costs compared to sedentary individuals. However, the program’s impact in doctor’s offices remains limited, with only a small percentage of adults being advised to increase their physical activity levels. Nevertheless, Exercise is Medicine has developed programs and initiatives, such as Exercise is Medicine on Campus, to promote physical activity outside of medical settings. Other initiatives focus on specific diseases like cancer, providing exercise and rehabilitation programming. The program also offers exercise prescriptions for chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s, depression, anxiety, osteoarthritis, and heart failure. The key is to create a supportive environment within communities that encourages regular physical activity. It is believed that healthy behaviors are contagious, and by influencing those around us, we can foster a more active lifestyle.