The American College of Sports Medicine declared May as Exercise is Medicine month. The idea is for physicians and other health care providers to take time to educate their patients regarding the benefits of exercise, in addition to recommending activity to their patients as part of their treatment plan. While participating in exercise is not a guarantee in protecting us from disease, studies have shown that it may prevent heart disease, some cancers and other chronic conditions such as osteoporosis. Not only does exercise keep our bodies more physically fit, but there are huge psychological benefits as well. Exercise can even help us cope more efficiently in times of stress. Unfortunately for many of us, exercise is not a priority in our lives and it seems to be the case for our kids, too. According to the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA), “63 percent of children are not physically active by the time they reach high school.” If this is truly the case then it should not be too surprising that as our kid’s activity falls as they grow older, there is a good chance they won’t be active in their adult years. On Monday, May 3rd a coalition of experts and organizations including the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society and the American College of Sports Medicine released the first U.S. National Physical Activity Plan to helps us all become more active in our daily lives, whether at home or on the job. The coalition hopes that by bringing together the leaders of business, education, transportation, public health and other sectors, we can move this country from one of laziness to one where we embrace being active in everything that we do. Although exercise can’t cure all our ills, it can make a tremendous difference in our lifestyle and how we feel. Whether we view exercise as medicine or just a way to feel better, it should be a part of each of our lives. What reasons do you think we, as a country, don’t exercise? Do you think having your doctor sit down and discuss the benefits of exercise with you would encourage you to exercise? Do you think this new plan will help change the health direction for our country? |
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