The fourth annual Exercise is Medicine® Month kicks off on Sunday, celebrating the health benefits of exercise and offering resources to get people moving.
"Everyone should start or renew an exercise program now as an investment in life-long health," said Robert E. Sallis, M.D., FACSM, chair of Exercise is Medicine. "Every person, regardless of age or health, is responsible for his or her own physical activity. There are far more reasons to exercise than excuses not to."
Exercise Lowers Health Care Costs
Research shows that exercise helps treat and prevent more than 40 chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and hypertension.
"While there are numerous reasons for soaring health care costs, one undeniable explanation is the poor physical health of so many Americans," said Sallis. "Exercise is something every person can do to control the rising costs of health care and improve quality of life."
A Two-Way Street
Starting a physical activity program can be as simple as taking a brisk walk each day and gradually building up frequency and duration. Patients are encouraged to talk to their health care provider for an exercise prescription if additional advice and guidance are needed.
