Big Changes: A society that adopts physical activity standards
How do we achieve higher rates of physical activity across a nation that is presently underperforming? Some citations estimate that 15-20% of our society is moving at or above the bare minimum that our bodies need to maintain systemic health. We have barriers of inertia, knowledge, distractions, convenience and more. Let’s not forget the barriers that health care providers themselves unintentionally introduce. We frame physical activity in our terms, rather than looking for “it” in “their terms”. It is time for health care providers to adapt, so that our society will adopt. We must learn to listen for the physical activities that are purposeful, enjoyable, and convenient for our patients. Then, we help to create PA prescriptions within the opportunities that they provide to us.
Mike – there are many challenges here- including so much mis-information & marketers who promise the quick fix with no effort. Education is critical as well as what parents teach their children & what school systems do which is quite varied. The health care industry has not been historically proactive in preventive care/ fitness- since much of what they do is fixing what’s broken- indeed it’s time for a more coordinated effort & some fresh ideas – my take is activities should be fun &entertaining for people to adopt better PA habits- gaming is no doubt on the menu here.