Did you know that May is National Physical Fitness Month? At about halfway through the year nearly 80% of us that made a health and wellness resolution for the New Year have given up. What do you do when finding the motivation to make time for movement each day is lacking and there doesn’t seem to be anyone to help keep you accountable?
You can and should be able to look to your physician for guidance, encouragement, and accountability!
Physicians play a crucial role in promoting physical fitness and setting an example for their patients. Here’s why:
- Health Advocacy: As trusted medical professionals, physicians can advocate for physical activity and educate patients about its benefits. By practicing what they preach, they inspire patients to prioritize their own health.
- Leading by Example: When physicians prioritize exercise and healthy lifestyle choices, patients notice. Demonstrating regular physical activity shows patients that it’s achievable and essential for overall well-being.
- Stress Reduction: Physical fitness helps manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Physicians who engage in exercise demonstrate its positive impact on mental health, encouraging patients to follow suit.
- Preventing Chronic Conditions: Regular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Physicians who prioritize fitness set an example for prevention.
- Empathy and Connection: Sharing personal experiences fosters empathy. Physicians who discuss their fitness routines create a stronger patient-physician bond, motivating patients to adopt healthier habits.
- Addressing Barriers: Physicians can address common barriers to exercise, such as lack of time or motivation. By sharing their own strategies for overcoming obstacles, they empower patients to do the same.
Remember, 2 ½ hours of moderate intensity physical activity per week—such as brisk walking or light jogging—can significantly improve health. Physicians can lead the way by integrating exercise into their lives and inspiring patients to do the same!
As we move into the second half of the year you can still make your health and wellness a priority and all of us at Rural Physicians Group are rooting for you! Have you checked out ‘Fields of Care’ our Quarterly Magazine? Our Spring Edition has a great place for fitness inspiration on page 12 in the “Dear Dr. Abby…” section. Download your FREE digital copy, here!