Exercise: Medicine you can afford

This means that the more inactive one remains the higher the risk they run of finding themselves in the position of having to seek what can be costly treatments for these diseases. With these realities in mind, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) launched the “Exercise is Medicine” initiative in a bid to draw attention to the fact that exercise is indeed medicine. In fact, exercise is more than that – it is also a preventative measure that anyone can afford. The South African Sports Medicine Association (SASMA), the Institute of Sports Research (ISR), Tuks Student Gym (TSG) and the Sports Medicine Section of Tuks share this vision and decided to raise awareness on the matter.

On the 23^rd of October 2010 a Fun Walk and Information Day was held at the Sports Grounds on the LC De Villiers campus. Individuals young and old took part in the 3.8km walk and it was extremely motivating to see them train. Various measurements were taken for willing participants in order to determine their risk of suffering from sedentary lifestyle related diseases. Furthermore, the participants received goodie bags with information about attaining and maintaining better health as well as ways to become more physically active. Many of the tests were done in an entertaining manner and prizes were often given out to those taking part in the fun.

When it comes to medical issues the relationships between practitioners and those seeking help is important, therefore, involving various practitioners and physicians is one way of ensuring that “Exercise is Medicine” becomes a sustainable initiative. Doctors, dieticians, biokineticists, nurses, sport scientists and physiotherapists were available at the event to ensure that participants or those simply looking for information were able to benefit from their expertise.

Spreading the message of exercising for long-term prevention of avoidable diseases is a priority for TSG and the Fun Walk and Information Day was but one event marking the beginning of a commitment to our advocacy of more active lifestyles. There will be follow-up events trying to get this important message across. TSG is proud to have been part of such a successful event that highlighted how simple lifestyle choices can have lasting and positive effects on one’s health in the future. We would like to encourage those who are already dedicated to an active lifestyle to stay dedicated and also challenge your friends and family who are not so active to take charge of their health and remember to capitalize on the most affordable and accessible medicine – EXERCISE.