Physical Activity Reduces Risk Of Chronic Disease

This study from the University of Iowa published in Preventing Chronic Disease reminds us how important it is to live an active lifestyle, finding that those who are more physically active have a statistically significant lower risk of developing 19 chronic health conditions.
Physical Activity Reduces Risk Of Chronic Disease
For this study, the researchers examined the responses from over 7,000 patients who provided answers regarding their lifestyle in a level of physical activity questionnaire. The analysis revealed that those reporting the highest level of physical activity, exercising moderately to vigorously for at least 150 minutes, were at statistically significantly lower risk of experiencing 19 chronic health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, respiratory disease, and cardiovascular disease.
Alternatively, those who were least active, reporting little to no exercise in a given week were at an increased risk of developing a chronic disease. Based on their findings, the researchers recommended that healthcare systems provide patients with information on health and wellness services, especially to physically inactive patients who are at the most risk.
“In our healthcare environment, there’s no easy pathway for a doctor to be reimbursed for helping patients become more physically active,” says study lead Lucas Carr, associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Physiology, and the study’s corresponding author. “And so, for these patients, many of whom report insufficient activity, we need options to easily connect them with supportive services like exercise prescriptions and/or community health specialists.”
The Exercise Vital Sign Survey
Typically hospitals in America don’t ask patients about their physical activity levels, and according to the researchers, there is no record of any hospital in the Midwest doing so. This study offered questionnaires to patients visiting UI Health Care for annual wellness examinations from November 2017 to December 2022. The results from this survey were compared with over 33,000 patients who were offered the survey in other parts of the hospital.
The questionnaire is called The Exercise Vital Sign Survey which was conducted on a tablet asking questions:
- On average, how many days per week do you engage in moderate to vigorous exercise (like a brisk walk)?” (0-7 days)
- “On average, how many minutes do you engage in exercise at this level?”
“This two-question survey typically takes fewer than 30 seconds for a patient to complete, so it doesn’t interfere with their visit. But it can tell us a whole lot about that patient’s overall health,” Carr says.
Those who took the survey at annual checkups were found to be younger and in better health than the other respondents based on analyzing all respondents’ electronic medical records.
“We believe this finding is a result of those patients who take the time to come in for annual wellness exams also are taking more time to engage in healthy behaviors, such as being physically active,” Carr said.
Insurance Reimbursed Physical Activity Counselling
It was noted in a related study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, that when healthcare providers billed for providing counseling on exercise, insurance providers reimbursed for the invoice totals nearly 95% of the time.
“Our findings suggest the recommended physical activity billing codes are reimbursed at a high rate when providers submit them for reimbursement, which reinforces the idea to make physical activity surveys and counseling services available,” Carr says.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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