By LINDSEY TANNER , Associated Press
""All we ask our physicians to do is to make a comment on it, like, 'Hey, good job,' or 'I noticed today that your blood pressure is too high and you're not doing any exercise. There's a connection there. We really need to start you walking 30 minutes a day,'" said Dr. Robert Sallis, a Kaiser family doctor. He hatched the vital sign idea as part of a larger initiative by doctors groups.
He said Kaiser doctors generally prescribe exercise first, instead of medication, and for many patients who follow through that's often all it takes.
It's a challenge to make progress. A study looking at the first year of Kaiser's effort showed more than a third of patients said they never exercise."
My thoughts: it is great to see that more attention is being given to regular physical activity. However, most people know exercise is good for you and not doing it is bad. What we need to start doing is motivating people to do it, not scaring them into it. We've proven that doesn't work. Also, your physician wagging their finger at you and telling you to work out "or else" is worthless, PERIOD. It is great to have them instigate the conversation. Then, as physical therapists, it is our job to show people how to exercise in a way that does not hurt and even feels good.
Full article: http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/06/16380818-your-medical-chart-may-soon-log-exercise-too?lite
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