PLX Academy · News · 10 June 2022
Perhaps the best keep secret in preventive medicine today is exercise. Physicians who practice healthy habits serve as health role models and because of that they are more likely to counsel their patients to adopt a lifestyle that prevents chronic disease.
In a survey of 500 primary care physicians, researchers found that a doctor’s own size affected how they managed a patient with weight issues. Ultimately, overweight physicians were less likely to broach the topic of weight loss with heavier patients—with a staggering 93% of doctors diagnosing obesity in their patients only if their own weight was equal to or less than that of their patients.
Doctors are in a unique position to not only mitigate the severity of the obesity epidemic, but indirectly influence the overall health of their patients on several levels. Practicing self-care, which is often overlooked by physicians themselves, is the first step. With this in mind, let us take a closer look at the benefits of physical activity that can improve your health and fitness as well as boost your productivity in clinical practice.
Exercise improves mood and productivity:
In one study involving approximately 200 employees from 3 different organizations, researchers found that exercise increased the mood of employees and, in turn, their productivity—by an overall 21%. Specifically, concentration on work increased by 21%, work completion on time increased by 22%, working without unscheduled breaks increased by 25%, and motivation to work increased by 41%. Furthermore, 80% of participants reported better interpersonal skills on workout days.
Physical activity stimulates brain chemicals that leave you feeling happier and more relaxed, providing an emotional lift and reducing stress. Exercise gives everyone a boost, and can be especially helpful in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Exercise boosts energy:
Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength, boost your endurance, deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues, and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more energy for your daily activities.In addition, some researchers have shown that regular exercise may offer neurocognitive benefits for prolonged mental acuity.
And here is the best part: To obtain benefits of exercises, you do not necessarily have to sweat up a storm. For a boost in energy, researchers have shown that low-intensity workouts—including cycling, yoga, and golf, dancing, and walking—may offer the greatest effects.
Exercise promotes better sleep:
If you have difficulty sleeping, regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. Try to exercise earlier in the day so you have a couple of hours before bed to wind down .Individuals engaging in aerobic exercise—such as running—should do so at least 1-2 hours before going to bed to allow the “brain time to wind down,” notes Charlene Gamaldo, MD, Medical Director, Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep, Howard County General Hospital.
Exercise adds spark to your sex life:
Do you feel too tired or too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Regular physical activity can improve energy levels and increase your confidence regarding your physical appearance, which may boost your sex life. But there is even more to it than that. Regular physical activity may enhance arousal for women. And men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who do not exercise.
Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and body image:
Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss by burning calories and ramping up your metabolism. You may also feel better about your appearance which can boost self-confidence.
Regular trips to the gym are great, but do not worry if you cannot find a large chunk of time to exercise every day. Any amount of activity is better than none at all. To reap the benefits of exercise, just get more active throughout your day — take the stairs instead of the elevator or rev up your household chores. Consistency is key.
Regular trips to the gym are great, but do not worry if you cannot find a large chunk of time to exercise every day. Any amount of activity is better than none at all. To reap the benefits of exercise, just get more active throughout your day — take the stairs instead of the elevator or rev up your household chores. Consistency is key.
Exercise prevents and combats diseases:
In fact, regular physical activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, and depression.
When it comes to physical activity, the most important thing is commitment. For the busy physician, however, this can be somewhat of a challenge, with your time often being sucked up by maintaining EMRs and seemingly never-ending clinical consultations.
Even devoting just 5 minutes a day to exercise can make a difference. Your mental faculties will become sharper, you will feel less stressed and more energetic, and your heart and joints will thank you for any weight loss you undergo. And if that is not reason enough to get moving, consider the positive example you will be setting for your patients. They will be more apt to listen to a walking, talking example of good physical health, which may cut down on the number of office visits and, ultimately, free up more time in your schedule.