Obesity and Diabetes ? Integrated Medical Fitness

It?s no secret that our country has an epidemic on its hands, which is not only affecting our population?s personal health but our countries economy as well. Despite that in less than forty years, in our country alone, obesity has increased by over fifty percent! This would mean that every two in three adults or considered overweight and not only that but its spreading just as fast to our children. We often see obesity as a vanity issue and although most people know that health concerns come along with it the nature of the problem is far more in depth than is apparent.

Other health complications that it can lead to are Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, depression, fatty liver disease, erectile dysfunction, and kidney stones. All of which can be detrimental to our health and in some cases even fatal. According to the Center for Disease Control being overweight and physical inactivity is currently the second leading cause of preventable death in this country and by 2014 will surpass smoking as the leading cause of preventable death.? In total being obese and overweight account for nearly one in every ten American deaths and economically costs us $223 billion a year. According to a report by health insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc. Diabetes and Prediabetes alone cost our country $194 billion dollars in 2011.

These facts and statistics are alarming, but the key to combating this issue is to try to find a solution that effectively works. Nutrition is something that is typically addressed for obesity and diabetes; however the missing link that is often overlooked is exercise. Sure we all know that exercise helps and is beneficial, but what kind of exercise? How long do we do it for? What should we focus on- weights, cardio machines, walking, yoga? The list is endless and a doctor simply telling you that you need to exercise leads to a series of questions such as these. Even if the doctor gives you a detailed program what is the likelihood that you will follow that program and have the ability to do it safely and effectively? ?As a medical exercise specialist I see Obese and diabetic clients quite often and even with the proper guidance from their medical professional they need the help from a fitness professional because it is a specialty. A doctor specializes in medicine just as we specialize in fitness and in my specific case as well as my staff member?s we specialize in medical exercise.

The most effective way to combat obesity and diabetes is through a structured program that includes a combination of cardiovascular and strength training. Results of previous studies have proven that with structured and supervised exercise programs which included resistance and aerobic training was associated with lower blood glucose levels (A1c levels- a marker of glucose control). One study in particular which was done by Dr. Daniel Umpierre of the Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Algre in Brazil, found that a structured exercise program when compared with just simply exercise advice showed a greater level of decline in blood glucose (A1c) levels. ?Overall, according to this study the combination of resistance and cardiovascular training given in the form of prescribed supervised exercise resulted in a greater reduction in blood glucose levels.

With a Medical Exercise Specialist making sure that your levels (blood pressure, glucose) are in safe ranges both high and low, a workout based on medical science and molded towards your specific needs will be given to you each and every time you participate in a session. From personal experience I also find that most clients that walk through our door rarely come in with just one issue such as diabetes or obesity, but rather a multitude of issues, this is often due to a sedentary lifestyle and just simple wear and tear on the body which causes musculoskeletal injuries or conditions. As Medical Exercise Specialists we are trained on how to manage these conditions so that you can safely and effectively participate in an exercise program. Overall, understand that fitness is one of the most important modalities in effectively dealing with most medical conditions including diabetes and obesity. You should not leave it up to yourself, but rather seek out a professional in the field who is qualified and understands medical exercise, such as an MES (Medical Exercise Specialist). If you had trouble with your car you would bring it to a mechanic, a problem with your toilet you would call a plumber, an issue with your skin- a dermatologist. Exercise is no different in that you should seek out a fitness professional who is capable of handling your medical issues through what we do best-exercise. Remember that if you are experiencing any conditions that your medical provider advises exercise for we are here for that purpose. We will not only provide a supervised structured exercise program that is proven by science to work, but will work with your medical provider to help best manage your condition and be your partner in your journey to recovery. I wish you luck and hope to see you soon.

About Shane O?Connor

I am a certified Physical and Health Educator. My passion developed when I attended Valley Forge military college. After two years of attending military college I decided to transfer to SUNY Cortland where I pursued and completed a degree in human movement studies with a concentration in Physical Education. I continued my studies in health/sport related fitness and received a science of sports coaching certification at the university of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia. With the goal of becoming a more rounded teacher and trainer I recently attained a Master?s Degree in Health Education from CUNY Lehman. I am currently a physical education teacher in Westchester New York and have been a personal trainer for seven years. As a personal trainer and teacher I?ve worked with various clients and students that range in both age and ability with a high success rate in helping them reach their goals.

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