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 February 2008 • NIRSA news and information
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ACSM's Exercise is Medicine initiative promotes wellness in a new way

Doctors are asked to prescribe exercise to their patients

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Medical Association (AMA) have launched a new breakthrough initiative, Exercise is Medicine, designed to encourage America's patients to incorporate physical activity and exercise into their daily routine. Exercise is Medicine calls on doctors to prescribe exercise to their patients.

The goal of the program is to encourage physicians to record physical activity as a vital sign during patient visits. Able patients will be advised to participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity and 10 minutes of stretching and light muscle training five days a week.

The Exercise is Medicine website contains educational materials and toolkits for physicians, patients, the media, and policymakers, as well as a listing of initial supporting organizations. Educational models will be developed for use in medical schools so students can learn the importance of prescribing exercise to patients early in their careers.

NIRSA Members are invited to join ACSM in their new endeavor. There is no charge to join. By signing up, health and fitness professionals will receive the upcoming Exercise is Medicine Kit for Health & Fitness Professionals as well as regular updates as more services are developed.

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