ACSM and AMA Expand “Exercise Is Medicine” Program
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Medical Association (AMA) have jointly created a program to encourage physicians to record physical activity as a vital sign during patient visits. Able patients will be advised to participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity and 10 minutes of stretching and light muscle training five days a week.
The two organizations are also reaching out to leaders at the American national and state levels and supporting organizations.
Their five-point action plan is to help emphasize the idea that exercise is an integral part of healthcare. Specifically, ACSM and AMA will work with government to:
1. Increase the number of physicians who prescribe exercise and activity by expanding medical education about the health benefits of exercise and encouraging physical activity to be considered as a vital sign.
2. Build the science and evidence base connecting physical activity and health and the relationship between physical inactivity and chronic disease, and accelerate the transfer of this knowledge into medical practice.
3. Increase collaborations among physicians and exercise professionals to benefit patients.
4. Educate the public on the health benefits of physical activity, and encourage patients to talk to their physicians about their physical activity needs.
5. Encourage greater leadership and action by government organizations and individuals to make commonplace the discussion between physician and patient about physical activity and health.
For more information, visit www.exerciseismedicine.org.
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