Portland observer., January 16, 2013, 2013 special edition, Page 23, Image 23

Time for a Check-up on Exercise
Doctors ask patients about
their physical activity
nearly 2 million people in Kaiser's more realistic because people are exercise regardless of method is es­
southern California network found more likely to tell their own doctors sential, but that "naming it as a vital
that less than a third met physical the truth.
sign kind of elevates it."
activity guidelines. That's worse
Dr. William Dietz, an obesity ex­
Figuring out how to get people to
than results from national studies. pert who retired last year from the be more active is the important next
(AP) — Roll up a sleeve for the There's a connection there. We re­
But promoters of the vital signs Centers for Disease Control and Pre­ step, he said, and could have a big
blood pressure cuff. Stick out a wrist ally need to start you walking 30
effort think Kaiser's numbers are vention, said measuring a patient's effect in reducing medical costs.
for the pulse-taking. Lift your tongue minutes a day,"' said Dr. Robert
for the thermometer. Report how Sallis, a Kaiser family doctor. He
many minutes you are active or get­ hatched the vital sign idea as part of
ting exercise.
a larger initiative by doctors groups.
Wait, what?
He said Kaiser doctors generally
If the last item isn't part of the prescribe exercise first, instead of
usual drill at your doctor's office, a medication, and for many patients
movement is afoot to change that. who follow through that's often all
One recent national survey indi­ it takes.
cated only a third of Americans said
It's a challenge to make progress.
Truly making a difference in the lives of
their doctors asked about or pre­ A study looking at the first year of
Auto Accident victims and Injured Workers for nearly 20 years.
scribed physical activity.
Kaiser's effort showed more than a
Kaiser Permanente, one of the third of patients said they never
If you or someone you know has been in an accident,
nation's largest nonprofit health in­ exercise.
call us so we can help you with your needs. (503) 284-7838
surance plans, made a big push a
Sallis said some patients may not
few years ago to get its southern be aware that research shows physi­
California doctors to ask patients cal inactivity is riskier than high
We are located on the
about exercise. Since then, Kaiser blood pressure, obesity and other
corner ofM LK and Russell
has expanded the program to sev­ health risks people know they
Street, on the second floor
eral other states.
should avoid. As recently as No­
• above the coffee shop.
Here's how it works: During any vember a government-led study
routine check of vital signs, a nurse concluded that people who rou­
or medical assistant asks how many tinely exercise live longer than oth­
days a week the patient exercises ers, even if they're overweight.
and for how long. The number of
Kaiser began the program about
minutes per week is posted along three years ago after 2008 govern­
with other vitals at the top the medi­ ment guidelines recommended at
Parkins Area
cal chart. So it's among the first least 2 1/2 hours of moderately vig­
things the doctor sees.
orous exercise each week. That in­
"All we ask our physicians to do cludes brisk walking, cycling, lawn­
is to make a comment on it, like, 'Hey, mowing — anything that gets you
good job,' or 'I noticed today that breathing a little harder than normal
your blood pressure is too high and for at least 10 minutes at a time.
you're not doing any exercise.
A recently published study of
Chiropractic Auto Injury Clinic, PC
Zchon R. Jones, DC
333 NE Russell St., #200, Portland, OR. 97212
(503) 284-7838