Exercise as Medicine: The Medicinal Qualities of Exercise

Exercise has been recognized for thousands of years as a means to promote health and well-being. In this podcast episode, Dr. Robert Scales, an exercise physiologist and director of cardiac rehabilitation and wellness at Mayo Clinic, discusses how exercise can be considered a powerful medication. He highlights that exercise can improve heart function, open up blood vessels, lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, control blood glucose, strengthen muscles and bones, and enhance emotional well-being. Dr. Scales emphasizes the importance of physicians in guiding patients to exercise safely, taking into consideration their physical limitations and providing guidelines. The American College of Sports Medicine's campaign, "Exercise is Medicine," supports physicians in promoting exercise as a prescription and provides various options for physicians to talk to patients about exercise during visits. The podcast concludes by highlighting the global spread of the initiative and the positive impact exercise can have on reducing mortality and increasing overall health span.