Everyday patients visit their healthcare provider with ailments that are symptomatic of a lack of activity on their part. And inevitably the doctor will prescribe some medication to appease these people when all they need is a prescription of daily activity.
You see, so many of us are resigned to sitting on our butts for hours on end with little or no physical exertion. The result of this type of sedentary behaviour is weight gain, poor blood circulation, poor eating habits, and a host of other poor outcomes which all leads to debilitating health issues . . . chief among them – pre-diabetes and full-blown diabetes.
Instead of doctors properly assessing their patients issues, they are quick to dole out medications. In many cases patients will even request certain drugs because they saw them advertised on TV and believe that it’s the answer to their health issues.
The good news is that many doctors are now taking the initiative to give a prescription of daily activity in addition to the medications, and in some cases just the daily activity, to fix their patients ailments. This is especially important for older patients who tend to over-relax and children who are addicted to their electronic devices.
A new program has been developed to tie the relationship of healthcare providers to physical fitness as a way to deal with certain health conditions. It’s called the Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) Solution.
In a recent declaration by the by 18th U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, M.D. she states that “Prevention is an imperative, as more American families struggle to deal with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and strokes.
Much of the illness and early death related to these chronic diseases can be prevented by increased physical activity. The EIM Solution is an innovative approach that, through a prescription, links the medical profession with physical activity professionals (personal trainers and therapists) and community resources. I commend these organizations for their vision and leadership.”
How to start an exercise program
Before starting any physical exertion out of your normal routine you must visit with your healthcare provider. During your visit be sure to discuss your family history, your current heart rate based on stress tests, the limits of your current activity level, the quality of your diet, the status of your blood sugar levels as well as your overall health.
Your doctor will recommend a fitness routine based on the results of your physical examination. They should also recommend visiting with a personal trainer who will guide you along at a level that fits the doctor’s orders.
Personal Trainers
Personal trainers(PT) are qualified instructors who are knowledgeable in many aspects of fitness including workout routines, injury prevention, flexibility training and motivation – to name a few. Many will specialize in certain areas of the fitness field such as strength coaching or yoga practices or cardio workout classes.
When choosing a PT look for one who is experienced in dealing with pre-diabetes and is focused on keeping your blood sugar levels in balance. They should know the symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and what to do in each in case. They should develop a fitness record for each client and monitor their progress by helping their trainees to set realistic goals. They are also charged with advising them on the proper diets and how to relieve stress for optimum results.
What’s holding you back from starting?
It’s important for doctors and personal trainers to assist their patients/clients to find out what barriers may be holding them back from starting an exercise program and ways to overcome them.
Many of us will formulate various excuses as to why we can’t start – don’t have time, don’t want to, undue stress at home or work, anxious about being in a gym, no gym facility nearby, etc. But each one of these can be overcome with proper counseling.
Unless you like to complain about aches and pain or have a traumatic need to visit with your doctor many of your ailments can be resolved by starting the exercise habit. This is also a way to cut down on the expense of medications and insurance costs.
To your better health,
Owen
PS. Personal trainers are a vital tool in your fight against the tide of poor eating and lack of proper guidance in your physical activity. As a PT I have developed certain exercises to help improve your blood sugar level and your overall fitness. Find out more at How to Prevent Pre-diabetes.