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| Associate Director, Amy Rauworth |
- Mandatory funding stream of $34 billion for a Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund (including a Public Health Investment Fund of $15.4 billion over the next five years) to fund such items as community-based prevention and to strengthen core public health activities at the state and local level.
- Requires Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers to provide first-dollar coverage for highly-rated, evidence-based preventive health services.
- Comprehensive provisions designed to reduce, and begin to eliminate, health disparities.
*Note: The House passed its version of health-care legislation Saturday night, November 7, 2009, by a vote of 220 to 215.
Although the debate on health care is controversial, we all agree that something must be done to change health care in America. A vital conversation that must occur in this debate is the importance of physical activity as a key role in the prevention of chronic disease and secondary conditions.
Parade Magazine's recent article, 'When Doctors Prescribe Exercise,' builds upon the Exercise is Medicine™ campaign (http://www.exerciseismedicine.org) founded by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and points to the significant savings on health care through the participation in regular exercise. Dr. Peeke, spokesperson for the campaign, emphasizes the benefits, stating, 'Exercise really is a form of treatment-in fact, probably the most important lifestyle treatment available. The reason we doctors repeat our get-off-the-couch mantra so relentlessly is that we know the research. Exercise has been shown to prevent and even improve certain conditions, sometimes better than pills. Regular physical activity also helps prevent falls and aids cognition as well as mental-health conditions such as depression and anxiety.'
If physical activity and exercise have had a profound effect on your life, we want to know. Send your letters or comments for posting on our new NCHPAD blog site to amyr@lakeshore.org. More importantly, contact Congress and let them hear your story. If you feel exercise should be included in the national health care debate, let your voices be heard!
Benjamin Franklin had it Right....An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure!
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| Graduate Assistant, Carrie Lullo |
Indo-Row
'This is a new group fitness class that is quickly gaining popularity. The concept may seem quite similar to indoor cycling. I was able to take a class and loved it! The stroke can be broken down and adapted for people of varying abilities and there are several pieces of adaptive equipment that can be used for the machine itself. If this continues to catch on at the rate that it already is, it could be huge.' Check out this video to see a class in action and hear what others think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I57E_MClaBw
To learn more, visit their website: http://www.indo-row.com/
Airope
'This is a simple piece of equipment that can provide additional options for exercising from a seated position (or any position, for that matter). The video below shows some ways that it can be used. Use it like you would use a jump rope or get creative. It's inexpensive, simple, and portable.'
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARa_U68DSSY&feature=related
Gliding discs
'Another simple piece of equipment, these discs make for a really fun workout! They can get pretty tough, but can also be used in more basic ways. The second video below shows how they can be used with the hands. Again, the sky is the limit in terms of exercise options - get creative!'
Videos:
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nigPCDCOLc
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87YZmndqzJo&feature=related
Medicine balls
'Medicine ball training can be easily adapted for ability-level and desired type of training, and it can be really fun for those who become bored with more traditional exercises (particularly if you begin to incorporate partner work).'
Bender ball
'This is simply a small, soft ball (other brands will work as long as they are strong and durable), but using it is a really great method that can protect the lower back, disengage the hip flexors, and allow for more focused core training. Again, there are a ton of options. It can also be used in a seated position for people who cannot get down on the floor.'
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72-3HMoJMWA
BOSU Ballast Ball
'Essentially, this is a stability ball with weight in it. It can open the door to a variety of exercises and provide peace of mind for those who fear that the ball is going to roll out from under them while they are using it.'
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiPeZTEQHrY&feature=related
Balletone Sole Synthesis
'Another relatively new concept in group fitness, it is fun, low impact, and involves strength, cardio, and balance exercises. It may not be as easy to adapt to a seated position (although, with a little creativity it can be done), but can be a great option for a broad range of ability levels. The exercises can get pretty challenging, but they are all really enjoyable. Barefoot training has become a popular trend in the fitness industry.'
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLIGnYUtDuo
For comments and feedback, please feel free to contact Amy Rauworth at amyr@lakeshore.org.