Why exactly is “Exercise” considered medicine?
Exercise has a difficult task of competing with the 5 seconds it takes to consume a pill, versus the 30 minutes it takes to gain health benefits from exercise. However, since the development of the Exercise Is Medicine Organization (www.exerciseismedicine.org), 
there has been great momentum in the area of implementing exercise prescription as the first line of treatment for patient’s when appropriate.
Physicians and other healthcare professionals have become more dedicated to prescribing lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise) to manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and even arthritis. Growing evidence supports the fact that exercise and nutritional changes can be just as effective, if not more, in combating challenging health conditions. The vast physiological benefits of exercise make this one of the most powerful medications you can take. A pill prescribed for cholesterol only treats cholesterol, and many times results in other undesirable side effects. However, when using exercise, not only can it help lower cholesterol, but also reduce blood pressure, improve bone density, treat depression and help you live longer (among MANY other things)!
One of the biggest barriers individuals can face is orthopedic issues or chronic pain that stops them from being physically active. Don’t let that deter you! Seek out a knowledgeable professional that can help to guide you in the right direction and ensure your exercise program is not creating or worsening current conditions. When done correctly, exercise should NEVER make you feel worse!
The key to maximizing the benefits of an exercise program is to ensure that you are taking the right dose, frequency and intensity just like any pharmaceutical prescription. This may require you to consult with an educated allied healthcare professional such as an athletic trainer, clinical exercise physiologist, or physical therapist in addition to the advice provided by your physician. It is very common for physicians to be collaborating with community facilities to help execute appropriate exercise programs for their patient’s which provides the patient with a sense of direction. Be sure to know the background of the professional you are working with and ask questions! Just as you would investigate the credentials of your lawyer, dentist or financial advisory, you must also do your research when it comes to exercise.
Lastly, know that the benefits of exercise can be achieved by making small changes in your life! The best part is, the less you have done, the less you have to do in order to see a benefit. It’s never too late to start exercising. So whether you are 20, 50 or 90 years old make today the day you begin taking the most important medication of your life!
