Physical activity & screening

Question 1

Benefits of regular exercise in terms of diseases ?

Answer 1

Reduces risk of:

• Coronary heart disease & stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Breast cancer in women
• Early death
• Hip fractures
• Falls (along older adults)- helps maintain balance & flexibility
• depression

Question 2

What are the guidelines for physical activity?

Answer 2

guidelines are different for age groups

Children:

• 60 mins a day
• different intensity of activity to develop bone strength, muscular fitness

Adults:

• 150 mins a week of moderate or 75 mins for vigorous
• main strength in major muscle groups- resistance training
• should limit their sedentary behaviour (sitting/lying)= more than 7 hours a day is high

Elderly:
- 150 mins of moderate intensity aerobic activity

Question 3

How to implement physical guidelines?

Answer 3

• Assess the patient’s level of physical activity, beliefs & motivations.
• Advise patients on physical activity & based on physical health risks.
• Agree plan of action with realistic goals.
• Assist patient by removing barriers, creating an action plan and sign-posting them to opportunities e.g. local walking groups.
• Arrange a follow appointment to provide support & assess progress.