CME & Evaluation: Move the Culture: Building Active Clinicians and Healthier Workplaces-Handout

Handout

Pdf Summary

The presentation "Move the Culture: Building Active Clinicians and Healthier Workplaces" by Dr. Jonathan Bonnet emphasizes promoting physical activity (PA) within clinical practice and workplaces to enhance health outcomes. It introduces the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) as a tool for assessing patient exercise habits and underlines exercise’s role as medicine—demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing risks for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and depression, sometimes outperforming medications.<br /><br />Dr. Bonnet outlines WHO and CDC recommendations of 150–300 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise weekly plus 2-3 muscle-strengthening sessions targeting major muscle groups. He explains exercise modalities, suggests using Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and the Talk Test to gauge intensity, and stresses starting slow with gradual progression. Exercise modalities like aerobic and resistance training benefit cardiometabolic markers, including lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol, and reducing hemoglobin A1c.<br /><br />Screening patients using PAR-Q is generally sufficient, but those with chronic conditions may require medical clearance. Providers should inquire about patients’ habits, barriers, and goals to personalize exercise prescriptions, possibly referring to physical therapy or fitness programs. Engaging patients through motivation and accessible activities is crucial.<br /><br />The talk extends to workplace culture, advocating leadership-driven wellness programs that make healthy choices easy through environmental design, social support, and frequent engagement. Examples include walkable spaces, scheduled activity breaks, paid exercise time, fitness challenges, and avoiding overly sterile gyms; instead, fostering community is key.<br /><br />The presentation addresses ergonomics for desk workers and injury prevention for laborers, emphasizing ease, enjoyment, and efficiency. The major barrier to exercise—perceived lack of time—is challenged by highlighting that 30 minutes is just 2% of the day.<br /><br />In summary, cultural change begins individually but requires supportive environments that encourage physical activity for improved health, productivity, and well-being among clinicians and their workplaces. Resources such as the Exercise is Medicine program support these efforts.

Keywords

Physical Activity

Exercise as Medicine

Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS)

World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Recommendations

Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

Talk Test

Patient Exercise Screening (PAR-Q)

Workplace Wellness Programs

Ergonomics and Injury Prevention