Remo Aguilar
In 2010, a third of the world’s population was considered physically inactive. Back then it was estimated that approximately 5 million deaths were attributable to physical inactivity, making it the fourth leading cause of mortality worldwide.
To address this global issue, a whole society approach consisting of “policy and environmental changes” to make physical activity “an easier choice for leisure and transportation purposes”. An example of this is the recent proliferation of bike lanes in many of our cities. We also need to adjust our social and cultural norms to promote physical activity rather than sedentary lifestyles.
It is not uncommon that many patients see healthcare professionals as role models for physical activity. Several studies have shown that counseling by physicians and other HCPs, helped patients improve their lifestyles and physical activity levels. The impact of physical activity counseling by healthcare professionals on patients are well documented, while the physical activity levels of healthcare professionals and the its relationship to his or her overall health, is sadly not. This shall be the topic of the #HealthXPh discussion this Dec 2, 2023 9PM Manila time.
T1. Do you regularly exercise or participate in any sport and fitness activities?
The American Heart Association recommends, among others, that for adults “at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week”. I would assume that us, being healthcare professionals aren’t exempted from these recommendations. So yes I do regularly cross train and play badminton each week mainly for the health benefits and some socialization as well as for my professional practice as a number of my patients play the same sport I do. The 2.5 hours spread across the week isn’t easy as it looks
T2. What are the barriers to a healthcare professional regularly participating in sports and or fitness activities?
The lack of time and geographic location of sports facilities in my areas are my greatest barriers to sports. The often unpredictable demands of my field- trauma orthopedics and clinical work often puts my sporting schedule in jeopardy. I got hooked to badminton because the court is just few blocks away from my home and we have a same age group of players committed to playing weekly. I also run and trail bike but I am still afraid of the absence of bike lanes and safe trails as well as the driving behaviour of motorist in our area. I wanted swimming but theres no pool near my area and getting into one may take me thirty plus minutes more. I do long hikes or trek mountains but thats not a regular weekly activity.
T3. Do sports and fitness activities impact your personal and professional lives?
Have it not been for sports or physical activity, I probably been obese or dead years ago given the many risk factors I have. My mental wellbeing is also tightly intertwined with sports and all these outdoor activities. I do curse by the pain and aching muscles everyday but I also am in a better disposition to confront my everyday tasks as a healthcare professional. The negative impact is the socializations and binges I have to refuse just top hit the court, or gym.
Professionally, as an orthopedic surgeon, I have a number of patients coming up to me because “I play the same game they are playing”. These patients thought I do understand, can explain or help them better when it comes to their complaints.
So there, join #HealthXPh as we discuss the Impact of Healthcare Professional’s Sports and Fitness Activities on Personal and Professional Life via Twitter/X this Dec 2, 2023 9PM Manila Time.
Image by drobotdean on Freepik
