Episode 12: Exercise As Medicine

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Transcript

What if you went to the doctor to discuss a specific health issue, and instead of walking out with a pill or a procedure scheduled, you left with a prescription for exercise? Sounds a little unusual, right? But think about it—what if movement, something as simple as getting up and getting active, could be the key to improving your health? 

Now, let’s consider this: What kind of issue might prompt your doctor to recommend exercise? Obesity might come to mind first, but the truth is, the list of conditions that benefit from regular physical activity is surprisingly long: 

• Obesity 
• Diabetes 
• Heart disease 
• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Osteoporosis 

And the list goes on and on. From mental health to chronic physical diseases, exercise can play a pivotal role in managing and even preventing these issues. 

Believe it or not, the idea of prescribing exercise isn’t new. If you had been a patient of Hippocrates—yes, that Hippocrates, the Father of Scientific Medicine, who lived from 460 to 370 BCE—you might have walked out of his office with an exercise prescription in hand.  

This podcast episode explores the idea of exercise as a prescription for better health, rather than relying solely on medication. It highlights how physical activity can help manage and prevent various health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, and osteoporosis.  

Modern science supports this notion, demonstrating that exercise significantly reduces the risk of chronic diseases and enhances recovery from illness and surgery. The Exercise Is Medicine (EIM) initiative encourages healthcare providers to incorporate physical activity discussions into patient care. Despite compelling evidence, doctors may not always prescribe exercise due to time constraints or lack of training. However, individuals can take charge of their health by incorporating movement into their daily routines. 

Practical tips for staying active include starting small, setting realistic goals, making exercise social, and integrating movement into everyday life. The author shares their personal journey with exercise, emphasizing how it has helped with stress management and overall well-being. They encourage listeners to find enjoyable activities and remain consistent, as exercise preferences may evolve over time. 

The episode concludes with a teaser for the next podcast, featuring an interview with fitness instructor Barb Kane. 

Exercise as medicine 

Exercise Is Medicine - Wikipedia