May 2015, Exercise is Medicine Month, Lauds the Benefits of Physical Activity
Posted: May 6, 2015 in Suppliers
American College of Sports Medicine
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – This May marks the eighth annual Exercise is Medicine Month, celebrating the health benefits of exercise and offering resources to get people moving.
“Everyone should start or renew an exercise program now as an investment in life-long health,” said Robert E. Sallis, M.D., FACSM, chair of the Exercise is Medicine advisory board. “Every person, regardless of age and health, is responsible for his or her own physical activity. There are far more reasons to exercise than excuses not to.”
Exercise Lowers Health Care Costs
Research shows that exercise has a role in the treatment and prevention of more than 40 chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, obesity and hypertension.
Health Care Provider Involvement is Key
Most health care providers don’t realize the effect they have in motivating patients. Nearly 65 percent of patients say they would be more interested in exercising if advised by their health care provider and given additional resources. Check out the new health care provider’s toolkit for additional information.
Calling on Exercise Professionals
Exercise professionals interested in building their client referral base are encouraged to get the EIM Credential. The EIM Credential shows health care providers that an exercise professional is qualified to help their patients get the exercise they’ve prescribed. Visit certification.acsm.org for more information.
A Two-Way Street
Starting a physical activity program can be as simple as taking a brisk walk each day and gradually building up frequency and duration. Patients are also encouraged to talk to their health care provider for an exercise prescription if additional advice and guidance are needed.
Easy-to-Use Tools Available
Most people already know exercise is important. Many are overwhelmed by where and how to start, particularly those new to exercise, those who have an existing health condition and the elderly. The 2015 EIM Month toolkit is available online to help them get started and keep motivated.
EIM On Campus
This year, campuses are stepping up as the hands and feet that are promoting EIM through campus-wide engagement in physical activity! To learn more about EIM Month 2015 and how to get your local college or university campus involved, visit the EIM website.
