Exercise physiologists help patients with heart disease, diabetes, and more types of problems. They work with a patient to design an exercise program to improve their health. Here are four examples of different medical conditions and some of the ways that exercise physiologist treat individuals with them.
1. Heart Disease
Individuals with high cholesterol, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, or even a family history of heart disease are eligible to have a consultation with an exercise physiologist. When an individual meets with an exercise physiologist, an exercise program is usually developed to treat the specific condition. Exercise is particularly effective for treating individuals who have heart disease or who are prone to it. Exercise physiologists create long and short term goals in a comprehensive exercise program that is designed to treat cardiac matters effectively for the patient.
2. Diabetes
It is especially important for individuals who have diabetes or are pre-diabetic to have an awareness of their nutritional needs, and to combine that with an exercise routine. An exercise physiologist will work with a diabetic patient, coordinating with nutritionists and nurse practitioners in a multidisciplinary course of treatment to develop a comprehensive fitness program for the patient.
3.Obesity
For patients suffering from obesity, exercise physiologists review the individual’s medical history. Second only to smoking, obesity and its many health-related problems make it the second leading cause of death that is preventable. Also extremely important is a discussion about current activity levels of the patient, preferences of the activities that the patient is willing to try, and also a past history of what types of exercise the patient has done. Meeting short and long-term goals for effective weight loss with help from an exercise physiologist is the ultimate objective, and enjoyable activity levels are also extremely important. Healthy eating, and a healthier lifestyle, are a great way to lose weight and keep it off. Eating better and eating right are goals that the exercise physiologists understand completely and work with the patient to achieve.
4. Lack of Motivation
Exercise physiologists also have to deal with the emotional aspects associated with individuals who need to have wellness checks and health focused treatment plans. Fitness and medical professionals need to work together to ensure success. Often, individuals have tried a weight-loss plan diet, only to fail and to think that their health journey is ending there because it is impossible to achieve. Starting a workout calendar and understanding the ability to transform their life are emotional tools that can be used in conjunction with medical professionals to help adults reach their goals of a healthy, happy life.
Probably one of the most important aspects offered by an exercise physiologist is the personal relationship that they develop with the patient. Every single patient has an individualized personalize program of diet exercise and lifestyle. Patients meet individually with their training trainers, counselors, dietitians in a multidisciplinary approach to weight loss and overall wellness.
By Dr. Mark Dedomenico
