Physical Therapists Support Good Nutrition and Exercise for Healthy Lifestyle

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(From Medical News Today) 16 Jan 2005

Physical Therapists Support Good Nutrition and Exercise for Healthy Lifestyle

Physical therapists support the need for proper nutrition and appropriate levels

of exercise as important factors in leading a healthy lifestyle, a message

contained in the recently revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 that was

released on January 12, 2005 by the Department of Health and Human Services

(HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Guidelines provide

authoritative advice for people two years and older about how good dietary

habits and incorporating appropriate daily physical activity can promote health

and reduce risk for major chronic diseases.

" The elements of sound diet and daily physical activity work together to

contribute to a healthful life with reduced risk of disease, " said APTA

President Ben F Massey, Jr, PT, MA. " By encouraging daily, moderate physical

activity of at least 30 minutes above a person's usual activity as an integral

part of healthy lifestyle, the Dietary Guidelines can positively affect the life

of many Americans. In addition, by recommending overall physical fitness that

includes cardiovascular conditioning, stretching and strength training,

Americans can lessen their chance many devastating diseases like osteoporosis,

coronary artery disease and diabetes. "

The Guidelines were developed through a process that relied on the best

available research evidence. " The use of evidence as a basis for the decisions

made in the Guidelines helps health care workers understand how they can be

applied to certain patients. This leads to more informed patients and health

care workers, " said Massey. " We hope for continued support for research in the

areas of disease prevention, physical activity, and nutrition that can pave the

way to the elimination of certain diseases that severely affect the lives of

Americans. "

The Guidelines identify 41 key recommendations, of which 23 are for the general

public and 18 for special populations that include children and adolescents,

pregnant and breastfeeding women, older adults, individuals of different

racial/ethnic groups and those with certain chronic disorders.

Physical therapists are dedicated to promoting health and wellness of all

Americans through preventing functional decline and the development of certain

conditions.

The American Physical Therapy Association is a national professional

organization representing nearly 67,000 physical therapists, physical therapist

assistants, and students. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapy

practice, research, and education.

American Physical Therapy Association

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