A fantastic new tool called Moving Medicine has been launched to help healthcare professionals talk to patients about the benefits of physical activity.
Developed by the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK in partnership with Public Health England and Sport England, it offers clinicians advice on how patients can manage their conditions, prevent disease and aid recovery through getting active. A number of our members formed part of the 300 healthcare professionals that were involved in its development, and contributed to the information on falls and fragility, MSK pain and inflammatory rheumatic conditions.
“For people who are dealing with illness or injury, the thought of being active can be even more daunting,” said Sarah Ruane, Sport England's strategic lead for health. “That’s why healthcare professionals have such a vital role to play.”
“Moving Medicine is a simple idea with huge potential to transform the lives of the millions of people who are inactive and living with health conditions. Equipping healthcare professionals with the practical information that they need to have supportive conversations with their patients will help many more people to experience the range of health benefits that being active can bring.”
Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, added that there was a need to get those suffering from chronic illnesses more active:“There is a mountain of evidence to suggest that patients with all kinds of conditions – from depression to diabetes – would benefit from more exercise, yet understandably those suffering with chronic illness are more likely to be inactive," he said.
“That’s why it’s so important healthcare professionals have the information they need at their fingertips to advise patients with complex health needs on how to get more active – and this doesn’t have to mean joining a gym. It can be doing more of the things we love, whether that’s playing football, swimming or going for long walks."
Find out more about the Moving Medicine tool