New Issue of Exercise is Medicine Newsletter Now Available
1/13/2010
Click here to download the Winter 2010 issue of ‘Exercise is Medicine: The Newsletter.’ Highlights of the newsletter include features on EIM On Campus, the inaugural World Congress, partnerships, and a letter from EIM task force chairman Robert Sallis, M.D., FACSM. To view past issues of the newsletter, click here.
EIM Continues Global Outreach to Share Common Interests in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
1/13/2010
Unfortunately, the negative consequences of physical inactivity affect millions around the world. Exercise is Medicine has been making significant strides in promoting physical activity and exercise to prevent disease and improve health on a global scale.
In December, Exercise is Medicine representatives met with Chinese government officials from the Ministry of Health and General Administration of Sport and gave presentations at a national training conference convened by the General Administration of Sport. Adrian Hutber, Ph.D., vice president of the initiative, presented Exercise is Medicine as a case study for physical activity counseling and exercise referrals in the United States and Exercise is Medicine task force member, Steven Blair, P.E.D., FACSM, provided attendees with scientific evidence on the mortality risk and disease risk associated with inactivity.
Exercise is Medicine hopes to use this opportunity to further expand its international outreach by collaborating with the Chinese Ministries of Health and Sport.
Adrian Hutber, Ph.D., and Steven Blair, P.E.D., FACSM, met with Chinese government public health officials to introduce Exercise is Medicine as a case study for promoting physical activity in the United States.
Blair also presented the Exercise is Medicine initiative to the Indian Federation of Sports Medicine (IFSM) during its annual conference in November. Blair spoke on the topics of obesity, physical activity and weight management.
Exercise is Medicine is currently pursuing partnership opportunities with more organizations overseas such as the South African Sports Medicine Association, the Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science, the Federazione Medico Sportiva Italiana and the Serbian Institute of Sport.
Exercise is Medicine will bring together global organizations and leaders in physical activity promotion during its inaugural World Congress. Held June 1-5, 2010, in Baltimore, the inaugural World Congress on Exercise is Medicine will be a unique international forum that addresses the science, practice, public health, and policy aspects of the impact physical activity has on disease prevention and health promotion. Click here for details on World Congress sessions, the scientific roundtable and more.
Benefits of Exercise, EIM Resources Touted in Recent Wall Street Journal Article
1/13/2010
A recent article published in the Wall Street Journal highlighted several studies concluding that exercise can help fight viruses and bacteria. The article also drew attention to research showing the health benefits of physical activity, particularly on chronic diseases such as diabetes, colon cancer and depression—evidence consistent with the principles of Exercise is Medicine.
Click on the graphic above to view examples of EIM in the news.
"Exercise can be used like a vaccine to prevent disease and a medication to treat disease," said Robert Sallis, M.D., FACSM, chairman of the Exercise is Medicine task force. "If there were a drug with the same benefits as exercise, it would instantly be the standard of care."
Starting an exercise program can have benefits at any age, but is particularly important for those over 40, when physical strength, endurance, flexibility and balance begin to decline, said Pamela Peeke, M.D., spokeswoman for Exercise is Medicine.
Click here to read the full article. To view more examples of Exercise is Medicine in the news, click here.
Exercise is Medicine On Campus is Coast to Coast
12/16/2009
Exercise is Medicine On Campus is a call to action asking educational institutions around the country to make a commitment supporting EIM and the benefits of physical activity. EIM On Campus was launched at Chatham University (Pittsburgh, Penn.) on May 8, 2009. The program now includes more than 50 participating educational institutions across the country.
EIM On Campus provides universities an opportunity to learn what other institutions are doing to promote physical activity and its health benefits on their campuses. The program also opens a dialog between universities and public health officials on lifelong physical activity. EIM On Campus encourages including the health benefits of physical activity as a formal part of the curriculum.
Lewis & Clark Community College (Godfrey, Ill.), works to promote physical activity on campus with special community promotions and exercise-related degree programs. The college also offers progressive yoga, Yogalates and a new weight room. Click on the video below to watch Fitness Forum, a weekly fitness show at Lewis & Clark.
Interested in Exercise is Medicine On Campus? Click here to learn more and sign up.
Would you like to see your university or college featured here? Send us an e-mail at eim@acsm.org to share how your campus is involved in EIM On Campus.
Click here or on the graphic above to watch Fitness Forum, a weekly fitness show at Lewis & Clark Community College.
Take Advantage of EIM Resources for a Healthy New Year
12/16/2009
As the end of 2009 nears, many are starting to make health-related New Year’s resolutions. Confused or overwhelmed about where to start? Use resources provided by Exercise is Medicine to make a positive change in 2010.
My Exercise Plan: assessment tools and tips for creating an effective exercise plan
Note to Health Care Providers: a letter to bring to your next annual checkup or scheduled visit promoting the importance of physical activity and exercise prescriptions
Held June 1-5, 2010, in Baltimore, the inaugural World Congress on Exercise is Medicine will be a unique international forum that addresses the science, practice, public health, and policy aspects of the impact physical activity has on disease prevention and health promotion.
Registration for the Annual Meeting allows you to attend all sessions at the World Congress on Exercise is Medicine. Register by March 3, 2010, for the best discount. If you have questions about registration, please call 317-637-9200, ext. 141, or e-mail meeting@acsm.org .
Click here for details on World Congress sessions, the scientific roundtable and more.
Mark your calendars and plan to attend this ground-breaking event!
Click here or on the graphic above to learn more about the World Congress.
Poor eating habits, smoking and physical inactivity put Scott Herrem, a deputy sheriff in Madison, Wis., at a peak weight of 320 pounds and at risk for high blood pressure and diabetes. Herrem realized his unhealthy lifestyle was preventing him from properly performing his duties as a sheriff, but it was a glimpse in the mirror that changed everything.
Herrem now works out six days a week at Anytime Fitness and has lost more than 100 pounds. In return, he has regained his health and self esteem. Herrem no longer has to worry about the negative effects ofinactivity on his job and has more energy to enjoy time with his daughter.
He has also inspired others to make a positive change. Herrem’s fellow deputies have followed his example, in addition to several family members, by working out at Anytime Fitness. Get-togethers with his colleagues now include veggies instead of pizza and chips.
“If you do preventative care, you don’t have to worry about getting sick all the time,” Herrem said. “Exercise is the medicine.”
For more about Herrem’s story and to view the Anytime Fitness Members Success video series, click here. For tips on getting started on your own physical activity program, check out the Exercise is Medicine Keys to Exercise video series.
If you have a story, or would like to tell us more about what Exercise is Medicine means to you, please write us at eim@acsm.org. Your story or advice may be published in a future edition of this newsletter or appear as part of the Web site.
Click here or on the graphic above to view the Anytime Fitness member success video.
Internationally-Renowned Exercise Physiologist to Speak at World Congress
12/2/2009
World Congress speaker
Bengt Saltin, M.D., Ph.D.
Exercise is Medicine is pleased to announce Bengt Saltin, M.D., Ph.D., as the opening keynote speaker for the inaugural World Congress on Exercise is Medicine on Tuesday, June 1, 2010. Saltin’s talk, “Exercise—Why Does It Work?,” will focus on the physiological benefits of physical activity.
Saltin, professor and director of the Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre at the University of Copenhagen, has more than 40 years of cardiovascular research and teaching experience. Among his many honors, Saltin received the International Organizing Committee 2002 Olympic Prize, citation and honor awards from the American College of Sports Medicine, and honors from several American and European universities. His research has been instrumental in expanding the knowledge base surrounding maximal oxygen uptake, effects of fluid loss on circulation, and high-altitude athletic competition.
Please join us for this special event during the inaugural World Congress. Click here or on the graphic below to register and learn more.
New Toolkit Provides Exercise Prescription How-To Guide and Resources for Nurses
12/2/2009
In partnership with the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA), Exercise is Medicine is proud to announce the release of the Nurses’ Action Guide. This new toolkit provides nurses, nurse practitioners and other allied health care professionals with a simple, fast and effective resource for helping patients incorporate physical activity into their lifestyle.
Highlights of the Nurses’ Action Guide include:
Prescription & Referral Process, the core of the toolkit explaining how to determine if a patient is healthy enough for independent exercise, and guidance on providing him/her with exercise counseling or referring to a certified health and fitness professional
Exercise Prescription & Referral Form, a practical component for use during patient office visits
Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, a preparticipation screening tool
Physical Activity Clearance Form, authorization from the health care provider for independent exercise or additional exercise counseling
Starting an Exercise Program Patient Handout, clear-cut recommendations for meeting physical activity guidelines
Your Prescription for Health Series, information and recommendations for exercising safely with a variety of health conditions
Click here to learn more and download the Nurses’ Action Guide.
Exercise is Medicine is also partnering with the PNCA for a free online seminar held from 1-2 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Dec. 9. For more information and to register, click here.
Click here or on the graphic above to access the Nurses' Action Guide.
Click here or on the graphic above to register for the online seminar.
EIM World Congress, ACSM Annual Meeting Preview Program Available
12/2/2009
Click here or on the graphic above to download the preview program.
One registration, two great meetings! The 2010 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting will feature scientific and practical information on a wide variety of topics in sports medicine and exercise science, from physical activity to biomechanics to rehabilitation. The inaugural World Congress on Exercise is Medicine will address the science, practice and policy of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
Start planning your sessions now with the online preview program. Registration for both meetings (Baltimore, June 1-5, 2010) is included for one fee. Register by March 3, 2010, for the best discount. If you have questions about registration, please call 317-637-9200, ext. 141, or e-mail meeting@acsm.org.
Take Action: Write to Your Local Newspaper About the Prescription for Healthy Lifestyles
12/2/2009
Easily reach thousands in your community and reinforce the crucial role of physical activity in health care reform by submitting a letter to your local newspaper editor. Click here to download a sample, modifiable letter to the editor.
Be Active Your Way Blog Stimulates Dialog, Provides Forum for Health Professionals
12/2/2009
Health professionals and physical activity advocates now have the opportunity to share, learn and engage with a new blog from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. The Be Active Your Wayblog provides an online discussion forum to connect professionals working to encourage Americans to get the physical activity they need based on the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
A group of contributing bloggers from a variety of leading organizations share successes, lessons learned and best practices. Contributing bloggers include James Pivarnik, Ph.D., FACSM, President of the American College of Sports Medicine, and Russell Pate, Ph.D., FACSM, chair of the National Physical Activity Plan coordinating committee. The blog also offers news on the latest developments on the topic of physical activity outreach and promotion. Comments are encouraged!
Join Exercise is Medicine™ task force chairman Robert Sallis, M.D., FACSM, and the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA) for a free online seminar based on the principles of Exercise is Medicine (EIM), held from 1-2 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Dec. 9.
Sallis will present evidence supporting the many health benefits of physical activity and the important role of health care professionals in physical activity assessment and exercise prescription. Seminar attendees will also learn how to incorporate this vital information into a clinical setting in order to enhance patient care. PCNA President Jane Nelson Worel, MSN, APRN-BC, APNP, will join the seminar as moderator and will discuss efforts to make EIM resources valuable for nurses and nurse practitioners.
A certificate for continuing education credit will be available following the seminar.
EIM-based exercise prescription book receives positive review
11/18/2009
“ACSM’s Exercise is Medicine™: A Clinician’s Guide to Exercise Prescription,” a comprehensive resource for health care providers on exercise prescription and counseling, recently received a positive review from the Doody’s Book Review service with a three-star rating and score of 85.
In the book, authors Steven Jonas, M.D., MPH, M.S., and Edward M. Phillips, M.D., explain how to design practical exercise programs for otherwise healthy patients of all ages and fitness levels, as well as those with special conditions such as pregnancy, obesity, and cancer. The book, published by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), also includes in-depth discussions of both the lifestyle approach to exercising regularly and the structured exercise approach.
To read the full review, click here. ACSM members may also access the article and other reviews through ACSM InfoSearch. Click here to purchase “ACSM’s Exercise is Medicine™: A Clinician’s Guide to Exercise Prescription.”
For a former division one basketball player, 5-foot-9-inch, 257-pound Jermar Waite was not spending much time on the court. After waking up in the middle of the night with chest pain, Waite visited his doctor. Following several tests, his doctor asked Waite a life-changing question: “Do you love your child?” Waite quickly realized the immediate need for a complete health overhaul if he wanted to live to see his son grow up.
Waite signed up for a membership at Anytime Fitness, the world’s largest co-ed fitness chain, in Columbia, S.C. The family atmosphere and motivation from his family helped Waite regain a healthy weight and positive attitude toward fitness. Now at 169 pounds, Waite has worked to lower his cholesterol level by 200 points and no longer experiences the effects of hypertension or sleep apnea.
“I definitely believe that exercise is medicine,” said Waite. “Exercise changed my life.”
For more about Waite’s story and to view the Anytime Fitness Members Success video series, click here. For tips on getting started on your own physical activity program, check out the Exercise is Medicine Keys to Exercise video series.
If you have a story, or would like to tell us more about what Exercise is Medicine means to you, please write us at eim@acsm.org. Your story or advice may be published in a future edition of this newsletter or appear as part of the Web site.
Click here or on the graphic above to view the Anytime Fitness member success video
PARADE Magazine Highlights Principles of Exercise is Medicine Initiative
11/5/2009
Click here or on the graphic above to read "When Doctors Prescribe Exercise."
An article in the Sunday, Nov. 1, issue of PARADE magazine focused on the benefits of physical activity, citing the Exercise is Medicine initiative and its spokeswoman, Pamela Peeke, M.D., MPH. In accordance with Exercise is Medicine, the article emphasized the positive influence of written exercise prescriptions, in contrast to only verbal advice by a physician.
“That piece of paper symbolizes that physical activity is no longer a casual side story but is serious business in a person’s life,” said Peeke.
The magazine, with a readership of 72 million, is distributed by more than 470 Sunday newspapers including the Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post.
Become a fan of Exercise is Medicine on Facebook! Get the latest news and multimedia from the initiative and connect with other EIM supporters. Click here to access the EIM fan page (you may be prompted to log in to Facebook). Not on Facebook? It’s easy to join – just visit Facebook.com and sign up with basic contact information.
ACSM President to Carry Olympic Torch, Represent Exercise is Medicine
11/5/2009
James Pivarnik, Ph.D., FACSM, spends most of his days in the classroom, the exercise science lab, or fulfilling his duties as research integrity officer at Michigan State University. But the current President of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) will take on a different a role in January – that of Torchbearer in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.
EIM was afforded the opportunity to nominate Pivarnik by Coca-Cola’s “Live Positively” program, which encourages healthy, active lifestyles for all people and affords EIM valuable outreach opportunities – such as this Olympic Torchbearer program.
Visit www.livepositively.com to read about Pivarnik’s involvement with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.
James Pivarnik, Ph.D., FACSM, ACSM president
Exercise is Medicine On the Fly Expert Featured on HealthRadio
11/5/2009
Exercise is Medicine On the Fly, a program presented by the American College of Sports Medicine Task Force on Healthy Air Travel, was recently featured on the sports medicine and fitness show for HealthRadio. Christopher Berger, Ph.D., CSCS, chairman of the Task Force, spoke to host Melanie Cole, M.S., an ACSM-certified fitness professional, about exercising during trips and provided listeners with tips for staying healthy while flying.
Exercise is Medicine On the Fly works to build awareness for the value of walking as a viable form of exercise and physical activity in airport terminals around the world. The program presents airline passengers and workers with easy-to-implement on-site guidance and collateral to encourage immediate physical activity. To learn more about Exercise is Medicine On the Fly, click here.
Christopher Berger, Ph.D., CSCS, Task Force Chairman
American Dietetic Association Highlights EIM at National Conference
10/22/2009
Representatives for Exercise is Medicine answered questions about the initiative at the exhibit booth of founding partner Coca-Cola.
As part of Exercise is Medicine’s strategic goal to educate allied health professionals how to give appropriate advice on physical activity, representatives from the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) collaborated to present a one-day workshop at the ADA’s Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo on Oct. 17 in Denver. The sold-out workshop focused on helping clients achieve the proper balance of nutrition and physical activity. ACSM representatives included Ed Howley, Ph.D., FACSM, Adrian Hutber, Ph.D., vice president of Exercise is Medicine, and Richard Cotton, M.A., national director of certification for ACSM, who spoke about the initiative and the role of dieticians in promoting physical activity.
Exercise is Medicine founding partner Coca-Cola also highlighted the initiative with the opportunity to educate conference participants on the benefits of physical activity through presence at its exposition booth.
Reminder: World Congress Abstracts Due Monday, Nov. 2
Showcase your scientific research on an international stage at the 57th Annual Meeting and the World Congress. Free communications, presented in slide and poster format, provide the major vehicle for "new" information exchange at these meetings.
Each person is permitted to submit and be first author on one scientific and one clinical case abstract for the Annual Meeting, and one scientific abstract for the World Congress on Exercise is Medicine.
Please contact the ACSM education department at lcooper@acsm.org with questions.
New Bill Reinforces Importance of Regular Physical Activity Guidelines Updates
10/22/2009
As debate continues over health system reform, a proposal with vast preventive power is drawing widespread support. Scientists, physicians, public health experts and others have rallied in favor of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Act of 2009. The measure (bill S. 1810 in the Senate and H.R. 3851 in the House), sponsored by Congressman Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), provides that the Department of Health and Human Services update federal physical activity guidelines at least every five years. [more…]
Take action!
Regular updates to the federal physical activity guidelines would encourage Americans to get up and active – and would ensure they have the most accurate, scientifically up-to-date information on physical activity. Helping Americans of all ages and health status increase their physical activity level can do much to cut health care costs, improve individual quality of life and boost productivity.
Please support this bill by contacting your local elected officials. Simply click here to access the American College of Sports Medicine’s easy-to-use Action Alert, featuring ready-to-send language for your local representatives.
EIM Flier Series Provides Tips for Exercising with Health Conditions
10/22/2009
Exercise is Medicine is proud to announce the full release of the “Your Prescription for Health” series, a collection of fliers providing information and recommendations for exercising safely with the 40 most common chronic health conditions, such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis and diabetes. The one-page handouts, reviewed by leading health experts, are highlighted as supplemental material in all Exercise is Medicine action guides.
Exercise is Medicine encourages health care providers and fitness professionals to recommend the fliers to patients or clients during visits. Click here to download the Your Prescription for Health series.
Exercise is Medicine Presents at American Dietetic Association National Conference
10/8/2009
Exercise is Medicine representatives were honored with a request to speak at the American Dietetic Association’s Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, held Oct. 17-20 in Denver. Richard Cotton, national director of certification for the American College of Sports Medicine, will represent Exercise is Medicine, speaking about role of the dieticians in promoting physical activity. To learn more about the conference, click here.
Tell Us Your Story: Anytime Fitness Member Improves Health, Inspires Family
10/8/2009
Click on the graphic above to view the
Anytime Fitness member success videos.
For Brian Dunaway, an ironworker from Davison, Mich., the decision to start a regular exercise program not only changed his health but also his attitude and way of life.
Signs of hypertension and diabetes led the then nearly 500-pound Dunaway to undergo lap band bariatric surgery, with the encouragement of his two sons. After surgery, Dunaway began a physical activity program with a personal trainer at Anytime Fitness, the world’s largest co-ed fitness chain, eventually losing a total of 250 pounds and drastically reducing his risk for chronic conditions.
Dunaway’s success was recently recognized at the Anytime Fitness annual convention. However, his achievements are even better showcased by the inspiration and positive example he shares with his brother and father, who have both struggled with weight and health issues. Dunaway’s new, healthy lifestyle also gives him the energy and ability to spend more time with his family.
“None of the expensive medical procedures I’ve endured, nor the drugs doctors prescribed, has helped me as much as exercise,” said Dunaway.
If you have a story, or would like to tell us more about what Exercise is Medicine means to you, please write us at eim@acsm.org. Your story or advice may be published in a future edition of the newsletter or appear as part of the Web site.
Exercise is Medicine On Campus Visits Mississippi State University
9/23/2009
Students, faculty, university officials and community leaders came together on Sept. 9 to establish Exercise is Medicine™ On Campus at Mississippi State University (MSU). The university, located in Starkville, Miss., hosted a one-day event featuring a morning bike ride, question-and-answer session and luncheon.
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) President James Pivarnik, Ph.D., FACSM, and Exercise is Medicine Vice President Adrian Hutber, Ph.D., spoke on behalf of the initiative, showcasing ACSM’s commitment to physical activity and reinforcing the Exercise is Medicine call to action for health and fitness professionals and community leaders across the country.
“MSU’s commitment to promoting wellness and fitness to students and employees serves as an ideal model for institutions across the country,” Pivarnik said. “Having the fitness center and on-staff dietitian at their fingertips helps open up the dialog about the benefits of physical activity, and gives everyone an open opportunity to establish and achieve lifelong fitness habits—which is at the core of Exercise is Medicine.”
As part of Exercise is Medicine On Campus, MSU campus physicians and nurse practitioners will be prescribing exercise to faculty, staff and student patients by referring them to the fitness center, where they will be evaluated and given a personal exercise program. Patients' exercise habits will be tracked in the same manner as other medical treatments.
“Though we have all of the tools necessary for our students and faculty to get active, Exercise is Medicine really brings it all together,” said Joyce Yates, Ed.D., health education and wellness director of the MSU Longest Student Health Center. “The exercise prescription is the missing piece that helps get the ball rolling.”
Interested in Exercise is Medicine On Campus? Click here to learn more and sign up.
Click above to watch a video about Exercise is Medicine at MSU.
Representatives from Mississippi State University worked together to bring Exercise is Medicine to campus, engaging students and staff to participate in physical activity. From left to right: Laura Walling, director of recreational sports administration; Bob Collins, M.D., director of university health services; Joyce Yates, Ed.D., director of health education and wellness; Stan Brown, Ph.D., chairman of kinesiology department.
Tell Us Your Story: Airman Remembers 9/11, Eight Years Later
9/23/2009
Exercise is Medicine™ regularly touts the many cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic benefits of physical activity. However, exercise also benefits the mind. Research shows that regular physical activity is good therapy for both depression and anxiety, and it can help improve your mood and reduce your perception of stress.
No group understands and appreciates these benefits better than members of the Armed Forces. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jerry S. Shelton, Jr., and the 755th Air Force Expeditionary Group honor and remember Sept. 11, along with other Airmen, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, each year with the Patriot’s Day 9.11-Kilometer Run. Organized races such as this run promote and encourage a culture of fitness within the Armed Forces.
“Staying focused on our commitment to service, remembering our fallen heroes and their loved ones who have sacrificed so much and demonstrating a commitment to fitness improves our readiness and allows us to serve as an example for others,” said Chief Shelton.
Events promoting fitness, like the Patriot’s Day 9.11-Kilometer Run, prepare members of the Armed Forces both physically and mentally for the challenges they face each day.
“I've met cancer survivors, those who had struggled with obesity, those who strive to improve their fitness level, and even those who remain active despite loss of limb,” said Chief Shelton. “Each story is one of varying degrees of personal courage, triumph, and perseverance, and I'll surround myself with people like that every chance I can.
If you have a story, or would like to tell us more about what Exercise is Medicine means to you, please write us at eim@acsm.org. Your story or advice may be published in a future edition of the newsletter or appear as part of the Web site.
Airmen come to the finish of the Patriot's Day 9.11-Kilometer Run, held each year to honor fallen comrades in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as those killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. (U.S. Army photo/Capt. Michael Greenberger)
Registration Now Open for Inaugural World Congress on Exercise is Medicine
9/21/2009
Held in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicine's 57th Annual Meeting, the inaugural World Congress on Exercise is Medicine will be a unique international forum that addresses the science, practice, public health, and policy aspects of the impact physical activity has on disease prevention and health promotion.
Registration for the Annual Meeting allows you to attend all sessions at the World Congress on Exercise is Medicine. Register by March 3, 2010 for the best discount. If you have questions about registration, please call 317-637-9200, ext. 141, or e-mail meeting@acsm.org.
Mark your calendars and plan to attend this ground-breaking event!
Showcase your scientific research on an international stage at the 57th Annual Meeting and the World Congress. Free communications, presented in slide and poster format, provide the major vehicle for "new" information exchange at these meetings.
Each person is permitted to submit and be first author on one scientific and one clinical case abstract for the Annual Meeting, and one scientific abstract for the World Congress on Exercise is Medicine.
Please contact the ACSM education department at lcooper@acsm.org with questions.
New Issue of Newsletter Now Available
9/10/2009
Click here to download the Summer/Fall 2009 issue of ‘Exercise is Medicine: The Newsletter.’ Highlights of the newsletter include features on the inaugural World Congress, partnerships, and a letter from EIM task force chairman Robert Sallis, M.D., FACSM. To view past issues of the newsletter, click here.
Task Force Member Presents Exercise Prescription Conference
9/10/2009
Physicians, nurses, health and wellness professionals, and other allied health care providers are invited to attend “Active Doctor, Active Patients,” a three-day interactive conference aimed to promote physical activity and exercise prescription. EIM task force member Edward M. Phillips, M.D., created the conference, to be held Nov. 13-15 in Boston, as a part of his role with The Institute of Lifestyle Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
EIM task force chairman Robert Sallis, M.D., FACSM, will be featured as a distinguished speaker during the conference’s leadership summit, “Exercise Prescription: A Call to Action,” in addition to experts from the government, insurance, fitness, and medicine fields. Other conference highlights include interactive exercise workshops and lectures on the physical activity/exercise, nutrition, stress management, and coaching psychology.
World Congress on Exercise is Medicine™: The World's Prescription for Health
Unite with others across borders to build a healthier world and globalize Exercise is Medicine
8/25/2009
You are invited to take part in the historic inaugural World Congress on Exercise is Medicine. The World Congress will be a unique international forum that will address the science, practice, and policy aspects of the impact physical activity has on disease prevention and health promotion. More...
EIM Task Force Member Presents at Medical Fitness and Health Care Conference
Phillips’ seminar, “Exercise is Medicine: Bridging the Gap from Physicians to Medical Fitness Centers,” will center on the importance of promoting physical activity and integrated care, particularly physician referrals. Phillips will be available following his presentation to autograph his book. The conference, held Dec. 2-5 in Orlando, Fla., also features a physician roundtable focused on the role of physicians in the current patient care model and chronic disease risk reduction.
Phillips, an assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School and director of outpatient medical services at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, is the founder and director of Harvard’s Institute of Lifestyle Medicine.
To learn more about the MFA conference and to register, click here.
Bridging the Health Gap: Connecting the Doctor's Office and the Gym
New partnership with Anytime Fitness fosters collaboration between health care providers, fitness professionals
8/5/2009
Interweaving the worlds of doctors, fitness professionals and patients into one model platform for optimum health and fitness has long been a challenge for proponents of healthy lifestyles. But a new partnership between the Exercise is Medicine™ global initiative and Anytime Fitness, the world’s largest co-ed fitness chain, aims to do just that and demonstrate how exercise can help solve America’s health care crisis.
Exercise is Medicine, a program supported by numerous national health and fitness organizations, is at the heart of the partnership. The program supports the notion that health care providers – especially physicians – should play a vital role in encouraging patients to get healthy. And, on the flip side, fitness professionals should have the hands-on opportunity to carry out the doctor’s orders within the four walls of a health club.
“Exercise is preventive medicine,” said Robert Sallis, M.D., chair of the Exercise is Medicine Task Force. “Anytime Fitness has the unique opportunity to carry out one of our fundamental principles: that physical activity isn’t about just looking good – it’s necessary for disease prevention and a long, healthy life.”
As a founding partner sponsor of Exercise is Medicine, Anytime Fitness will offer numerous benefits to gym patrons and health care providers who take the health-and-fitness merge to heart, including:
Exercise is Medicine health screenings in Anytime Fitness clubs
Discounts and rewards for members who bring a completed exercise “prescription form” from their health care provider
Special Exercise is Medicine fitness events, including walk- and bike-a-thons
Awards for health care practitioners who discuss exercise as a preventive health care tool with their patients
The new collaboration is just one step in Anytime Fitness’ mission to be much more than just a hard-bodies gym.
“Anytime Fitness is a strong believer in the connection between exercise and medicine and our member success stories serve as proof of this link” said Chuck Runyon, president and co-founder of Anytime Fitness. “The connection between exercise and a healthy lifestyle is why Anytime Fitness works to remove obstacles to fitness by locating our fitness centers closer to where people work and live including smaller communities, keeping memberships affordable and fostering a positive and supportive culture within our clubs.”.
Patients play a vital role in completing the health-and-fitness circle, too.
“If your doctor or health care provider isn’t talking to you about physical activity, bring it up,” Sallis said. “Ask them about the best, safest kinds of exercise for you. This conversation should be and needs to be a regular part of every doctor’s office visit.”
About Anytime Fitness
Open 24/7, Anytime Fitness provides its more than 700,000 members with convenient and affordable fitness options in friendly, well-maintained facilities featuring top-quality equipment. State-of-the-art security and surveillance systems ensure member safety even during unstaffed hours at the clubs. Anytime Fitness expects to achieve system-wide sales in excess of $150 million in 2009. For more information about Anytime Fitness, or to find the club nearest you, visit www.anytimefitness.com.
Sign up for the Exercise is Medicine™ E-Newsletter
8/3/2009
Want Exercise is Medicine™ updates delivered straight to your inbox? Click on the graphic below to sign up for the new EIM e-newsletter.
Follow Exercise is Medicine™ on Twitter!
7/22/2009
Get the latest on EIM programs, resources and breaking news by following EIM on Twitter at "EIMnews" (www.twitter.com/EIMnews). Not signed up for Twitter? It’s easy – just visit Twitter.com, create a username, and start following newsmakers like EIM.
Task Force Encourages Healthy Air Travel with New Web Page
7/7/2009
A new Exercise is Medicine™ task force is combating the stresses of travel with a new resource-driven Web page.
Exercise is Medicine™ on the Fly encourages travelers to find physical activity opportunities at airports, where layovers and delays create prime time for activities such as walking. Learn more at the new EIM on the Fly landing page: www.acsm.org/exerciseismedicineonthefly. The program and Web site are just two of the numerous EIM initiatives that are getting people around the world up and active.
