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ACSM: Policy and Economic Implications of Exercise

Policy and economic implications

•  Physical activity and exercise are key components of workplace wellness programs,

which have been shown to return $2.90 to $5.96 in cost savings for every dollar invested

by the employer. Participants in workplace wellness programs have reduced

absenteeism, error rates and health care costs; they feel more alert, have better rapport

with co-workers, and enjoy their work more.

• Physical activity and exercise must play a vital role in health system reform. Cost savings

from healthy lifestyles can help fund broader coverage for the underserved.

•  Stimulus funds designated for electronic medical records should include fields to record

each patient’s physical activity level. Exercise IS medicine and should be measured as a

vital sign like blood pressure or cholesterol levels.

• Reimbursement for services such as healthy lifestyle counseling or clinical exercise

physiologists could go a long way toward improving health and reducing health care

costs.

•  Physical activity needn’t involve expensive equipment, gym memberships or team

athletics. Simple activities like walking, accumulated in 10-minute bouts, can have

significant benefits.

•  Communities can do much to encourage physical activity by developing bike paths and

walking trails, encouraging walkable neighborhoods, opening school facilities to afterschool

activities, and enacting other exercise-friendly policies.