Physical Activity in Primary Care

There is now compelling evidence (Chief Medical Officer's report 2004) that regular moderate intensity physical activity is associated with a range of beneficial health outcomes, including:

• a reduced risk of dying prematurely from heart disease or stroke
• reduced risk of developing heart disease or colon cancer
• reduced risk of developing type II diabetes, hypertension and obesity

In addition, several of the leading long-term medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, CHD, strokes, cancer, HIV, COPD and osteoporosis could be prevented, managed and/or treated with regular physical activity.

Placing physical activity high on the agenda for primary care

There are a number of Government health policies which place physical activity high on the agenda for primary care emphasising the significant contribution it can make to improve the public’s health and prevent the development of several major chronic degenerative diseases.  The public health white paper ‘Choosing Health’ (Department of Health, 2004) advocates a health and social care system in which advice and support for physical activity is an integral service and system, which would assist people to lead healthier lives. Recent NICE physical activity guidance (2006) has also emphasised that primary care professionals should take the opportunity, whenever possible, to identify inactive adults and advise them to aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity on 5 days of the wek (or more). Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals promoting and encouraging their patients to lead active lives has the potential to bring about significant benefits.