Friday, June 4, 2010

Prescription For Exercise - Should Questions About Physical Activity Be A Part Of Doctor Visits?

“People visit physicians to get or stay healthy, but should questions about physical activity be a part of these visits, too - every time? The American College of Sports Medicine and its Exercise is Medicine program think so. So does Indiana University physical activity expert NiCole Keith. ‘Doctors ask their patients about cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and dietary habits, because those behaviors habits all affect health,’ said Keith, associate professor in the Department of Physical Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. ‘Failure to exercise or be physically active also is linked to several chronic diseases, and a discussion about those habits also must be part of a general medical visit.’ If health care providers take just one minute, Keith said, to ask about physical activity levels and counsel patients, if necessary, they could then refer them to an appropriate program in the community or healthcare system for additional help. ‘Hearing from a provider that you need to be more physically active or need to exercise will reduce the stigma associated with exercise and physical activity,’ said Keith...

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/190777.php

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