4th Exercise Prescription Certificate Course

Dr. Raymond LEUNG,Senior Medical and Health Officer

Department of Health

We already know much about physical activity and health.

Are we doing enough?

Promoting health (and physical activity) is everyone’s business

…• Government • Community • Individuals• Business sector• Health professionals

Health benefits of physical activity are beyond doubt

• Promote health – weight control, joint flexibility, fall prevention, self-confidence, interpersonal relationship

• Prevent diseases – Osteoporosis, DM, heart attack, CA colon

• Control disease – HT, anxiety, depression

• Pain control - arthritis

Local situation

• The “Behavioural Risk Factor Survey” conducted by DH

• Physical inactivity is common– In 2006, only 45% had moderate PA fo

r > 10 minutes a day in the last week– Optimal health benefits attainable thr

ough 30 minutes of moderate PA a day for most days of the week

WHO’s recommendations

• at least 30 minutes

• moderate intensity

• on most days of the week

What is Exercise Prescription?

• An exercise prescription is a written form of health advice on doing physical activity given by doctors to patients.

• The advice clearly shows the type, frequency and duration of exercise recommended by the doctor

• Stage-matched

What Exercise Prescription is NOT

• Sports medicine• Compelling doctors to

engage in sports• Exposing your clients

to uncalculated risks• Only intended for

patients with chronic diseases

Health professionals have a special role

• Readily accessible• In regular contact (4.2

times/person/yr)• Caring relationship• Trusted source of advice

– Influenza vaccination– Smoking cessation

Toolkit forExercise Prescription Project

• Professional manual • Exercise prescription

pad• Health education

materials for patients • Client’s log book• Poster

Internet Resource

• Our website: http://exerciserx.cheu.gov.hk

Let’s enjoy the 4th Exercise Prescription

Certificate Course and

Make a healthier Hong Kong!