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physical activity

MOVE IT! 'Prescribing Exercise' in Healthcare

Teaser: 

Dr. Marina Abdel Malak, MD, CCFP, BSc.N,

is a Family Physician in Mississauga, Ontario. She has served on several committees and groups, including The Primary Care Network and Collaborative Mental Health Network. She has a passion for medical education, patient empowerment, and increasing awareness about the relationship between mental, emotional, and physical health. Dr. Abdel Malak is highly involved in quality improvement initiatives, and her research interests include strategies to support physician wellness, patient self-management, and optimizing physician education.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: The benefits of physical activity are far reaching, ranging from cancer prevention to disease treatment. However, there may be confusion among healthcare providers how to recommend physical activity to their patients: how long, what activities, and how to do so. This article briefly reviews the benefits of exercise, and details strategies physicians can use to encourage their patients to be physically active.
Key Words: Exercise, physical activity, prescription, patient education, health promotion, lifestyle.

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim MAINPRO-M2 Credits for this unaccredited educational program.

www.cfpc.ca/Mainpro_M2

You can take quizzes without subscribing; however, your results will not be stored. Subscribers will have access to their quiz results for future reference.

1) Physicians are in an optimal position to counsel their patients about physical activity
2) Guidelines for activity varies among individuals by age, and should be tailored to each patient
3) Exercise prescriptions can be used in practice to motivate and counsel patients on physical activity
Encouraging patients to become physically active is a core role of the physician.
Prescribing exercise significantly increases patients' motivation and integration of physical activity into their daily routines.
Exercise recommendations vary, but the general rule of 150 minutes a week is widely quoted.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Disclaimer: 
Disclaimer at the end of each page

Exercise Prescription for Back Pain

Teaser: 

Eugene K. Wai, MD, MSc, CIP, FRCSC1
R. Michael Galbraith, DO, CCFP (SEM), Dip Sport Med2
Denise C. Lawrence Wai BScPT3
Susan Yungblut, PT, MBA4
Ted Findlay, DO, CCFP, FCFP5

1 is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the care of adult spinal disorders. He is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Ottawa. In addition he is the Research Chair for the Canadian Spine Society.
2Private practice Elite Sports Medicine in Lethbridge, AB.. Head Team Physician, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL). Clinical Lecturer, Dept of Family Medicine, University of Calgary School of Medicine.
3 is a Physical Therapist in Ottawa and a Research Assistant at The Ottawa Hospital.
4 Physiotherapist, Liquidgym, Ottawa; Nordic Walking Instructor and Urban Poling Master Trainer, OttawaNordicWalks; Past Director, Exercise is Medicine Canada
5 is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Calgary. He is also in a Private Family Medicine practice. In addition he is on Medical Staff at Alberta Health Services, Calgary Zone in Calgary, Alberta.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: Exercise is one of the most effective and simplest evidence-based recommendations to manage acute and chronic back pain. This paper discusses the physiology and evidence to support exercise as effective treatment. We will provide guidance on how to assess and prescribe exercise and offer methods to educate and encourage physical activity for patients with back pain.
Key Words: Back Pain, Physical Activity, Exercise Prescription, Motivational Interviewing.

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim MAINPRO-M2 Credits for this unaccredited educational program.

www.cfpc.ca/Mainpro_M2

You can take quizzes without subscribing; however, your results will not be stored. Subscribers will have access to their quiz results for future reference.

1. Exercise is one of the most effective and simplest evidence-based recommendations to manage acute and chronic back pain.
2. For chronic back pain the most important exercise is the one the patient will actually do.
3. For acute back pain the exercise prescriptions should take into account the patient's directional preference of exercise (Pattern of Pain) and the patient's unique situation.
4. Exercise Prescriptions should include the F.I.T.T. principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type).
Simply asking the patient about exercise has been shown to be effective in improving health outcomes. Consistent messaging about the positive role of physical activity is important.
Most forms of physical activity are usually beneficial. The exercise prescription should take in to account what the patient is actually prepared to do.
Patients often require reassurance that pain associated with exercising does not lead to physical harm.
Motivational interviewing is a structured, empathetic method to engage resistant patients.
Walking is free.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Disclaimer: 
Disclaimer at the end of each page

Movement as Medicine in Osteoarthritis

Teaser: 

Dr. Zahra Bardai MD CCFP (COE) MHSc FCFP,

Community Family Physician, Lecturer, University of Toronto, Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct), Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: Osteoarthritis is a prevalent health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Increasingly, there has been a growing body of international recommendations emphasizing non-pharmacologic interventions using physical activity to modify joint mechanics. Discussion will focus on pathophysiology of joint mechanics as it relates to physical activity as well as the use of specific clinical strategies that can be incorporated into physical activity counseling in osteoarthritis management.
Key Words: Osteoarthritis, Physical Activity, Exercise Vital Sign, Exercise Prescription.
Osteoarthritis is a leading source of nonfatal health burden
Non-pharmacologic treatments of osteoarthritis focus on modifiable factors in joint mechanics
Osteoarthritis is a structural and functional failure of joints
Movement and physical activity have protective effects on osteoarthritic joints
The Exercise Vital Sign should become incorporated into assessments for preventative health and chronic disease including osteoarthritis.
The Exercise Prescription tool can help clinicians formally prescribe exercise as a treatment for their patients.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.

Preventing Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease in Older Adults: Controlling Metabolic Syndrome through Lifestyle Interventions

Preventing Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease in Older Adults: Controlling Metabolic Syndrome through Lifestyle Interventions

Teaser: 


Muhammad Firdaus, MD, FACP, Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
Timothy J Lyons, MD, FRCP, Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.

The metabolic syndrome, though controversial due to lack of a uniform pathophysiological mechanism, is a useful clinical tool for identifying persons at risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It indicates the cumulative cardiometabolic risk exerted by abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, high triglyceride, low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and high blood pressure. Lifestyle factors, high calorie intake, and less physical activity have been implicated in the causation of the metabolic syndrome, and thus older adults are at particular risk for the development of this syndrome. Current evidence indicates that the components of the metabolic syndrome can be targeted with lifestyle interventions to prevent the complications of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This paper reviews various diagnostic criteria, etiological factors, and lifestyle interventions to combat the metabolic syndrome in order to prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease in older adults.
Key words: metabolic syndrome, prevention, lifestyle modification, diet, physical activity.

Alcohol and Prescription Drug Interactions Among Aging Adults

Alcohol and Prescription Drug Interactions Among Aging Adults

Teaser: 


Kristine E. Pringle, Ph.D., Health Care Consultant, First Health Services Corporation/PAPACE, Harrisburg, PA, USA.
Frank M. Ahern, Ph.D., Senior Research Associate, Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
Debra A. Heller, Ph.D., Senior Health Care Consultant, First Health Services Corporation/PA-PACE, Harrisburg, PA, USA.

Many medications have the potential to interact with alcohol, and older patients may be at greater risk of experiencing adverse effects due to issues of comorbidity and polypharmacy. Even small amounts of alcohol consumed by an older person who is taking multiple medications can have serious consequences. A retrospective analysis linked prescription claim records with self-reported alcohol use. Results showed that 77% of older adults used at least one alcohol-interactive medication, and 19% of alcohol-interactive drug users reported concomitant alcohol use. Because many individuals are unaware of the risks posed by alcohol and medications, it is important for clinicians to warn patients about potential interactions.
Keywords: older adults, alcohol, prescription drug use, alcohol-drug interactions, concomitant use of alcohol and prescription drugs.

Physical Therapy and Exercise for Arthritis: Do They Work?

Physical Therapy and Exercise for Arthritis: Do They Work?

Teaser: 

Marie D.Westby, BSc(PT), PhD Candidate, Mary Pack Arthritis Program,Vancouver Coastal Health, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia,Vancouver, BC.
Linda Li, BSc(PT), PhD, Harold Robinson/Arthritis Society Chair, Assistant Professor, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia,Vancouver, BC.

Physiotherapy aims to prevent physical impairment and restore functional ability through the use of exercise, education, and physical modalities. While there is solid evidence supporting physical activities in the management of arthritis, inactivity continues to be a problem among both younger and older patients with arthritis as compared to the general population. Current evidence supports the effectiveness and safety of moderate- to highintensity aerobic and strengthening exercises for osteoarthritis and stable rheumatoid arthritis. Participation in recreational activities does not replace the need for therapeutic exercises. Physicians and health professionals should be equipped with strategies to overcome barriers and facilitate treatment adherence when prescribing exercise.
Keywords: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, physical therapy, exercise, physical activity.

Non-pharmacological Management of Diabetes: The Role of Diet and Exercise

Non-pharmacological Management of Diabetes: The Role of Diet and Exercise

Teaser: 

D'Arcy Little, MD, CCFP, Lecturer and Academic Fellow, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto; Director of Medical Education, York Community Services; 2002 Royal Canadian Legion Scholar in Care of Elderly, Toronto, ON.

Diabetes is a common disease in the elderly. While pharmacological management is important, the need for and benefits of non-phamacological therapy should not be underestimated in this population. Such therapy includes nutrition therapy, physical activity, smoking cessation and diabetic education. This article reviews, in detail, current recommendations for nutrition therapy and physical activity in elderly patients with Type 2 diabetes, including specific recommendations for all types of food groups and specific recommendations for pre-exercise evaluation.
Key words: elderly, diabetes mellitus Type 2, nutrition therapy, diet, physical activity, exercise.

Physical Activity Found Beneficial in Oncology Rehabilitation

Physical Activity Found Beneficial in Oncology Rehabilitation

Teaser: 

Nat Jackson

The benefits of physical activity are well known throughout the health care profession. Exercise has found its way into programs for patients with conditions such as heart disease, and it is becoming part of standard care. Studies have now begun to look at whether or not the success of programs which include exercise can also be realized with cancer patients. This form of care seems to have met with success.1,2,3,4

It now appears that rehabilitation has been defined as the process by which a person is restored to an optimal physiological, psychological, social and vocational status.2 In the case of cancer patients, rehabilitation can be a challenge due to the significant side-effects of cancer treatment: fatigue, weakness, impaired nutritional status, difficulty sleeping and nausea. The patient often sees a decrease in normal physical performance, and the resumption of regular activities after therapy is often delayed. New studies have shown that including exercise within the rehabilitation program reduces the above-mentioned side effects, and even shortens the length of stay in the hospital following treatment.1 In one study, patients who participated in an exercise program during high-dose chemotherapy were discharged, on average, sooner than patients in a control group.