Exercise Prescription for the Treatment of Medical Conditions

Abstract

As the US population ages, generalist physicians will be charged with keeping the elderly healthy and active in their later years. Exercise is recommended for the treatment of many chronic medical conditions found in the geriatric population; it is also recommended to prevent certain medical conditions such as diabetes and obesity. Physicians have already had an impact on the smoking habits within the United States. By recognizing that exercise is safe and beneficial for a number of conditions, physicians can positively impact their patients' health care by emphasizing the importance of regular physical activity. This article demonstrates the safety and efficacy of exercise as an adjunctive treatment, and briefly outlines some tools for exercise prescription.

Alcançando o lazer na entrevista médica

“…Além da tomada de informação médica, a prescrição de lazer também é necessária e fundamental na prática da MFC. Alguns colegas prescrevem livros, outros música, outros dança, mas a maioria parece prescrever atividade física, 22,23 e limitar-se a isso incorre em higienismo. 24 Outro ponto importante de prescrição do lazer é a troca comunitária, quando jovens e pessoas mais experientes podem trocar ideias e ideais, criando um sentimento de pertencimento e dando sentido à vivência dos idosos, por exemplo.…”

Older adults at risk of a cardiovascular event: a preliminary investigation of their experiences of an active lifestyle scheme in England

“…It is proven to delay the need for care (British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Health (BHFNC) 2013) and substantial evidence describes its impact on cardiovascular as well as psychological health, regardless of age (BHFNC 2013; Department of Health 2011; Frost, Haw and Frank 2010; National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) 2012; US Department of Health and Human Services 2008; World Health Organization 2011 a , 2011 b ). Many exercise-referral, exercise on prescription, active lifestyle and similar schemes, whether age-specific or not, are now funded by health and social care services throughout the developed world (Halbert et al 2000; Harrison, McNair and Dugdill 2005; Rush 2003). Programmes are usually delivered by third parties but are widely accessible to patients in contact with a variety of health professionals.…”