06 Jan 2022 Dr. Josh Levin Prescribes Exercise, Should You?
In this first blog of 2022, at the start of a fresh New Year, many of your patients may have resolved to reconnect with their bodies. While most physicians see the importance of exercise, many feel uncertain about how to get their patients moving. What are some of the proven ways to encourage patients to be more active?
Currently four out of five Canadian adults don’t meet physical activity guidelines. Dr. Josh Levin, a physician working with the Therapeutics Initiative, is trying to change that.
Dr. Levin is a Victoria family physician with a high regard for the value of exercise in improving a patient’s mental and physical health. He presented his approach to “exercise prescriptions” at the Therapeutics Initiative’s annual course, Bringing Best Evidence to Clinicians on October 16, 2021. (View video). Dr. Levin reviews both the evidence and his practical experience in incorporating exercise prescriptions into general practice.
Recent work by Cochrane Hypertension also merits a mention as they are currently reviewing the effects of various forms of exercise (isometric exercises, cycling, walking) on hypertension. This year Cochrane published its review on moderate-intensity walking, which found that walking three to five times per week for 20 minutes could have an effect on lowering blood pressure. (Read review) Stand by for more of these reviews coming from Cochrane Hypertension this year.
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