[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E744-E745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF EXERCISE IS MEDICINE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2013

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as Exercise is 
Medicine Month.

[[Page E745]]

Physical inactivity is a fast-growing public health problem and 
contributes to a variety of chronic diseases and health complications, 
including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, depression and 
anxiety, arthritis, and osteoporosis. The Exercise is Medicine program 
seeks to reverse that trend. In addition to improving a patient's 
overall health, increasing physical activity has been shown to be 
effective in the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases. Beyond 
the benefits to individual health and quality of life, increased levels 
of physical activity are associated with lower health care costs, 
reduced environmental impact and other co-benefits.
   Exercise is Medicine is an initiative focused on encouraging primary 
care physicians and other health care providers to include exercise 
when designing treatment plans for patients. Exercise is Medicine is 
committed to the belief that exercise and physical activity are 
integral to the prevention and treatment of chronic disease and should 
be regularly assessed as part of medical care. The U.S. Federal 
Physical Guidelines and many studies show that 150 minutes per week of 
moderate-intensity physical activity is required to achieve these 
health benefits.
   During May, communities throughout the U.S. will hold activities 
that recognize physical activity and exercise--shown to help prevent 
and treat more than 40 chronic diseases--should be part of everyone's 
health care plan. Since 2010, Exercise is Medicine Month has been 
proclaimed by mayors, governors, Congress and the President. 
Individuals and organizations of all kinds, from youth groups to 
universities, churches, fitness centers, corporations and hospitals, 
hold events aimed at keeping people active and healthy.
   I urge all Americans to recognize Exercise is Medicine month this 
May to build, support and advocate for physical activity as essential 
for global health and wellbeing by committing to action.

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