Exercise Is Medicine

Abstract

Exercise is becoming more widely used prevent and treat the diseases that are most prevalent in the United States: coronary artery disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, dysllpi-demia, obesity, depression, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, physicians need more training in how to make best use of this powerful therapy. Physicians can successfully encourage activity by giving patients a written exercise prescription along with printed advice on how to design a safe, enjoyable routine.