Health promotion via prevention

American Fitness, May-June, 1994

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) cautions health care reform without a strong disease prevention and health promotion component could harm the nation's economy. ACSM applauds the White House proposal calling for guaranteed health coverage for all, but maintains the goal is achievable and affordable only if there is a major focus on disease prevention and health promotion.

"Procedure-oriented prevention such as immunizations and mammographies are only a small part of a complete disease prevention program," stated ACSM Fellow Steven Van Camp, M.D., in testimony before the United States House Ways and Means subcommittee last October. "Without a strong health promotion component in health care reform, this country may pay even more to treat chronic problems that physical activity, smoking cessation and nutrition could prevent," he added.

Physical inactivity contributes to almost 35% of the nation's coronary heart disease deaths at an overwhelming cost of $57 million each year in direct and indirect medical costs, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "The extra health care expenses caused by chronic illness like coronary heart disease could be saved," said Van Camp, a cardiologist.

Contributing to more than 250,000 deaths each year, physical inactivity is equal in magnitude to risk factors like smoking and high blood pressure, according to Van Camp's report. Unlike other risk factors, physical inactivity can be easily and economically avoided. "Proposed health care policies need to lend more support to physical activity," Van Camp emphasized. "Consequently, the ACSM proposes a seven-point program to incorporate meaningful health promotion/disease prevention into health care reform."

ACSM RECOMMENDATIONS

* appropriate reimbursement for health care professionals who assess and counsel patients on physically active lifestyles.

* research funding to study physical activity as a means of disease prevention and health promotion.

* increased public information and education on the benefits of physical activity.

* encouragement of public health agencies and schools to implement health promotion strategies.

* professional education efforts for all health care providers.

* include exercise specialists in proposed "health professionals' special projects and demonstration training authority."

* establishment of a Federal Office of Physical Activity and Health.

"It is important to invest in a systematic program of prevention and education--to reward employers, organizations and individuals who promote and engage in healthy lifestyles," testified Van Camp. "Without a stronger health promotion/disease prevention component, the nation will have a health care system that rewards poor health habits."

Copies of the ACSM's statement for the Subcommittee on Health are available upon request. Contact ACSM Public Information Department, P.O. Box 1440, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1440, or phone (317) 637-9200.