I had the pleasure of hearing a presentation by Dr. Cary Wing at the recent ACLM conference in beautiful Skamania, WA this week. After an hour of terrific information (which I will detail in a moment), and many insightful questions from the engaged audience, Cary put up her last slide.
It was a photo of her experience riding an elephant in Thailand with the simple comment, “Follow your dreams.” To me, it was a powerful summation of the attitude Cary embraces as well as most of those in attendance. Walking the talk and living their passion for a wellness lifestyle was obvious among the group. That final slide really brought home one of the key reasons Dr. Wing has enjoyed so much success and influence.
Like those in attendance, I found many important topics comprised Cary’s presentation. Quantification of wellness outcomes was a key point. Feedback like, “your patient completed X program by doing Y and Z is the result,” may seem like a basic component of exercise prescription. Having a seamless process for a patient to enroll in a relevant and safe exercise program delivered by a qualified professional and expecting a report to the referring healthcare professional is basic to the Physical Activity Pharmacy process. As Cary demonstrated, that process can make all the difference in outcomes, adherence and attitude among the medical community. For more, you will enjoy Dr. Wing’s blog.
Some “first steps” in the process of becoming skilled at prescribing specific exercise:
- Make use of the ACSM “Pro Finder“
- Check out the MFA “Facility Certification” process
- Join the Exercise is Medicine group
- Learn how some successful programs operate: Drx Fit, High Point Regional NC, and First Health Centers for Health and Fitness
- Become familiar with the resources and community provided by American College of Lifestyle Medicine
