Its Fun: A Practical Algorithm for Counseling on the Exercise Prescriptions: A Method to Mitigate the Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress-related Illness

Abstract

A growing body of research indicates that exercise is an effective intervention for depression, anxiety, and stress. Exercise as medicine provides an additional treatment tool for mental health professionals. With the initiation of the exercise prescription process, clinicians serve as an important link between physical and mental health. By collaborating with a team of health professionals and the patient, clinicians can successfully encourage patients to increase their physical activity, which will lead to positive mental and physical health changes.Exercise and fun are not always used as synonyms. To start and sustain an exercise routine, the clinician and the patient need to work together to find connections between the two words. The "It's Fun!" algorithm provides the clinician with a guide to hold exercise counseling sessions that are empowering and fun for both clinician and patient. Taking into account all the essential steps in exercise prescription writing and counseling-the interest level of the patient, a patient's past exercise history and timeline, the signs, symptoms, and risk factors for disease, favorite activities, unusual ideas for motivation and exercise, and finally negotiating as well as narrowing down the ways forward -the patient will engage in and enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity.

Optimizing Lifestyle Medicine Health Care Delivery Through Enhanced Interdisciplinary Education

“…While on the surface this requirement may demand more time from providers in order to learn the evidence-based information and techniques used in lifestyle medicine, in the end, the time and effort spent mastering this material will save time and can ultimately save lives. With adequate education and training in behavior change techniques, 5 exercise prescription, [6][7][8] nutrition basics, 9 stress management, 10,11 and the power of social connections, 12 a lifestyle medicine practitioner can be effective and time efficient. With the support of a team trained in lifestyle medicine, lifestyle medicine practitioners can see more patients and provide high-quality care personalized to meet the needs of each patient.…”