Exercise is Medicine® (EIM), a global health initiative managed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), encourages primary care physicians and other health care providers to include physical activity when designing treatment plans and to refer patients to qualified exercise professionals for evidence-based exercise programs.

The belief that physical activity promotes optimal health, is integral in the prevention and treatment of many medical conditions and should be regularly assessed and included as part of over all health care.

Prescribing physical activity in the right “dosage” is highly effective in the prevention, treatment and management of the most common chronic health conditions encountered. Health care providers, particularly those in primary care, are encouraged to assess patients’ physical activity records during their visits and to conclude the visit with an exercise "prescription" where needed.

In Namibia, Biokineticists are the qualified providers of scientifically based exercise programs. Some patients will benefit from the guidance and monitoring provided by cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Other patients need treatment and individualized exercise for musculoskeletal or neuromuscular conditions prior to engaging in a broader physical activity program. The co-work of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and athletic trainers play an important role here.

Exercise is Medicine® Australia published these scientifically based facts on how increased physical activity can benefit health?

• Reduces mortality and the risk of recurrent breast cancer by almost 50%
• Reduces the incidence of high blood pressure by almost 50%
• Lowers the risk of stroke by 27%
• Reduces the incidence of diabetes by almost 50%
• Lowers the risk of colon cancer by over 60%
• Decreases depression as effectively as medications or behavioural therapy
• Reduces the risk of heart disease by 40%
• Reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by one-third

These are just some of the important benefits of exercise. The list is a lot more extensive when it comes to postural corrections, management of pain, conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis, sport specific injuries or conditioning, exercising during pregnancy and work-place wellness, to name a few.