What Is an ‘Exercise Prescription’ and How Can It Work for You?

Exercise can help prevent or treat dozens of diseases. A doctor’s ‘prescription’ for exercise can help patients meet their goals.

Illustration by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock

Exercise is strongly recommended as an essential part of treating or preventing dozens of physical and mental health conditions by major health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization, and the American Heart Association.

It is such an essential tool in promoting health that the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) advocates treating physical activity as a vital sign at each medical visit. Although some doctors have started to evaluate their patients’ physical activity levels and provide individualized “exercise prescriptions,” most have yet to adopt this practice. Here’s why they should.

Move More, Live Better

Among the few major modifiable risk factors for chronic disease outlined by the CDC—such as smoking, poor nutrition, inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption—inactivity may be the one to get the least attention. But it shouldn’t.