• We’ve seen the news, we’ve read the headlines.
  
  
• It’s time for our nation to shape up. But not just to combat obesity; exercise is a crucial part of every health treatment plan, and can help stave off numerous diseases and chronic conditions.
  
  
• It’s time to convey the medical importance of physical activity to physicians and patients alike.

World Health Organization Underscores the Importance of Physical Activity

•  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one of the major challenges in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases and in the promotion of physical activity and other healthy lifestyle choices is communicating the importance of action now in return for future benefits.
• Despite the fact that prevention has been the major contributor to health gains, including 30 added years of life expectancy, in the past century, most studies of health expenditures indicate that less than five percent of resources are devoted to prevention.
• The WHO says that advocacy and policy are key.

U.S. Surgeon General Notes the Key Role of Physical Activity to Health

• Many Americans may be surprised at the extent and strength of the evidence linking physical activity to numerous health improvements.
• Most significantly, regular physical activity greatly reduces the risk of dying from coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.
• Physical activity also reduces the risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, and colon cancer; enhances mental health; fosters healthy muscles, bones and joints; and helps maintain function and preserve independence in older adults.

Web Resources for Exercise Is Medicine