Exercise is Medicine

Exercise is Medicine (EIM) is a global health initiative managed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) that aims to make physical activity assessment and exercise prescription a standard part of the disease prevention and treatment paradigm for all patients. Launched in 2007, EIM encourages healthcare providers to include physical activity when designing treatment plans and to refer patients to evidence-based exercise programs and qualified exercise professionals. EIM is committed to the belief that physical activity is integral in the prevention and treatment of diseases and should be regularly assessed and included as part of healthcare.

Overview

Exercise is Medicine advocates for the integration of physical activity and exercise in the healthcare setting. It operates on the principle that exercise and physical activity are essential to good health and should be prescribed to patients just as medications are. The initiative focuses on the role of physical activity in the prevention, management, and treatment of various diseases, emphasizing its importance in enhancing patient health outcomes.

Benefits of Exercise

Research has shown that regular physical activity can help prevent and manage more than 40 chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and hypertension. Exercise can also improve mental health, enhance the quality of life, and reduce the risk of premature death. The benefits of exercise are extensive and include improvements in:

• Cardiovascular health
• Muscle strength
• Bone density
• Mental health and mood
• Weight management
• Risk of chronic diseases

Implementation in Healthcare

EIM encourages healthcare providers to:

• Assess every patient's physical activity levels at every visit.
• Prescribe tailored exercise regimens based on the patient's health status and preferences.
• Refer patients to certified exercise professionals and evidence-based exercise programs.
• Follow up with patients to monitor their progress.

EIM Credential Program

The EIM Credential Program is designed for exercise professionals and healthcare providers. It offers training and resources to help integrate physical activity into healthcare. Those who complete the program are recognized as EIM credentialed, indicating their ability to work within healthcare settings to encourage physical activity as a health strategy.

Global Reach

Exercise is Medicine has expanded globally, with national centers and regional chapters working to implement its mission worldwide. These centers promote the benefits of physical activity and support the integration of exercise in healthcare settings across different cultures and communities.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the benefits of exercise are well-documented, integrating physical activity into the healthcare system faces several challenges, including:

• Limited time during healthcare visits to assess and prescribe exercise.
• Lack of training for healthcare providers in prescribing exercise.
• The need for more referral systems to qualified exercise professionals.

Despite these challenges, the growing recognition of exercise as a critical component of health offers significant opportunities for improving public health outcomes through the widespread adoption of Exercise is Medicine principles.

Conclusion

Exercise is Medicine is a vital initiative that seeks to bridge the gap between physical activity and healthcare. By promoting the integration of exercise into standard healthcare practices, EIM aims to improve the health and well-being of individuals worldwide. As more healthcare providers and exercise professionals embrace the EIM principles, the potential for positive impacts on global health is immense.