

	THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECOGNIZES MAY AS ‘EXERCISE IS MEDICINE’ MONTH ~ Floridians are encouraged to become more physically active ~ TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Health (DOH) recognizes May 2008 as the first “Exercise is Medicine” Month. This initiative is part of a larger nationwide movement lead by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Medical Association. The “Exercise is Medicine” campaign is designed to encourage physicians and patients to talk with each other about exercise during primary care visits. The campaign also includes a month-long celebration in May called “May-Kit Happen.” This celebration highlights the benefits of physical activity. “Evidence continues to grow that demonstrates active lifestyles can help combat various diseases that cost us so much emotionally, physically and economically,” said Betsy Wood, Chief of the DOH Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. “Just a modest amount of physical activity can impact cardiovascular health and enhance strength and flexibility.” Research shows that exercise helps prevent numerous chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Physicians and other health care providers play a crucial role in presenting this information to their patients. Floridians can participate in the “Exercise is Medicine” campaign by taking a few important steps: Providers: talk with every patient about exercise and, as appropriate, refer them to a fitness professional. Patients: ask questions about your health status the next time you visit your doctor. Are you at a healthy weight? Taking your current health status into consideration, what types of exercise are the best and safest for you? Should you visit a certified trainer or registered dietician to improve your health? Parents: give your children the gift of lifelong wellness by being a role model and supporting them in establishing a habit of lifelong physical activity. DOH promotes, protects and improves the health of all people in Florida. For more information about DOH programs, including the Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, visit www.doh.state.fl.us. To learn more about the “Exercise is Medicine” campaign, visit www.exerciseismedicine.org or www.may-kithappen.org. For detailed statistics, visit Florida’s Community Health Assessment Resource Tool Set web page (CHARTS) at www.floridacharts.com.