Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Doctors to prescribe exercise as medicine

Doctors to prescribe exercise as medicine
May 20, 2011

A new 'Exercise is Medicine' campaign, being launched today, will see doctors issue prescriptions for regular exercise.

In a move to combat rising health issues in Australia, medical and health professionals are being encouraged to prescribe routine exercise to help people manage their conditions and reduce the burden on an over-stretched health system.

And with good reason says the Chair of 'Exercise Is Medicine', Chris Tzar, who states "we know that exercise is an integral treatment for most of the top ten chronic illnesses in our society today. For conditions ranging from diabetes to osteoporosis and depression, regular exercise is one of the most potent treatments for the underlying mechanisms of the disease."

However, it's not just for managing conditions that exercise is of critical importance.

As Professor Jeff Coombes, President of Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) explains "inactivity is the second leading lifestyle-related cause of chronic illness in Australia - only behind smoking.

"So as we have seen in the research presented at this medical conference today, regular physical activity is most important for preventing disease - not just treating it."

The goal of Exercise is Medicine is to encourage doctors to focus on physical activity as a vital sign during patient visits. Able patients will be advised to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity plus light muscle training most days of week. A new website will provide educational materials and resources for doctors to use in their practices, as well as important information for the general public including a national database of exercise physiologists.

Tzar adds "we need to start getting the message across to all Australians of the critical importance of regular physical activity to prevent chronic disease, as well as treat it. If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most effective medications available today, without the negative side-effects."

For more information contact Chris Tzar on 0408 117 440, E: christzar@essa.org.auwww.exerciseismedicine.org.au 

15th February 2011 - SPORTING STARS ENCOURAGE JUNK FOOD CONSUMPTION

5th October 2010 - ASSOCIATIONS JOINTLY ENDORSE NEW GUIDELINES FOR EXERCISE INTENSITY

31st July 2010 - FITNESS LEADERS CALL FOR GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR WEIGHT LOSS

23rd June 2010 - OUR SPORTING FUTURE 2010 SET TO CHALLENGE AND INSPIRE 

4th March 2010 - COWBOYS DON’T LAST IN THE MODERN FITNESS INDUSTRY

19th August 2009 - ONE MILLION MORE AUSTRALIANS DO REGULAR PHYSICAL EXERCISE

7th August 2009 - FITNESS AUSTRALIA LOBBIES ALP ON INDUSTRY ISSUES

18th May 2009 - GYM MEMBERSHIP IS A CASUAL AFFAIR 


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Anti Wave Global

Anti Wave Global is the original suppliers of top performance swim, aquatic sports, leisure and pool programming equipment. Founded in 1971, Anti Wave Global is proud of its long and tested…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Sport

 
 

ICP

ICP is an Australian-based company focused on indoor climbing. ICP will manage your project from initial design to completion and beyond, whether you're building an international-level climbing…

read more

Attractions / Fitness / Recreation

 
 

COMMERCIAL AQUATICS AUSTRALIA

Commercial Aquatics Australia provides aquatic solutions nationwide and is one of the largest and most experienced companies specialising in the design, construction, renovation, service, maintenance…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks

 
 

TJS Services

TJS Services is a leading national facility services provider. We deliver quality cleaning, maintenance, construction and facility management services to over 1,500 sites Australia wide.  Our…

read more

Hospitality / Retail / Venues

 
 

Abel Sports

INTRODUCTION Abel Sports is Australia’s leading manufacturer and suppliers of Goal Posts, sports ground safety netting systems and coaches boxes for Stadiums ,Sports Clubs, Councils and…

read more

Recreation / Sport / Venues

 
 

Exerp

Exerp is a global IT specialist in member management software for the fitness and leisure industry. By focusing on the needs of large enterprises, where streamlining, control and scalability are…

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Momentus Technologies

About: Momentus Technologies is a global provider of industry-leading venue and event management solutions that empower organizations to create extraordinary moments. With over 50,000 users in more…

read more

Entertainment / Events / Hospitality / Technology / Venues

 
 

Enta Australasia

As of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as VIVATICKET Pty Ltd.  Click here to view the VIVATICKET Pty Ltd listing.  19th July 2018 - ENTA…

read more

Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business