The benefits of physical activity extend a long way beyond improving an individual’s fitness; they play a significant role in strengthening the efficiency and sustainability of the health service. From preventative measures to rehabilitative practices, the impact of physical activity can be felt across health and wellbeing provision.
Prevention
One of the ways that physical activity plays a crucial role in supporting healthcare provision, is through preventive measures. Regular exercise has been proven to lower the likelihood of chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Promoting active lifestyles can notably reduce the demand on healthcare as a result of these types of illnesses, which often demand substantial resources for treatment, medications, surgeries, and ongoing care. By strongly advocating physical activity, the burden on healthcare resources from this type of illness can be reduced, enabling resources to be deployed elsewhere within the health system.
Managing Chronic Conditions
Physical activity also plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with chronic health conditions to manage and control those conditions. Engaging in sustainable activity not only helps to manage symptoms but also helps mobility and enhances quality of life. Helping patients to actively participate in managing their health empowers them, potentially reducing the need for interventions from healthcare services due to an exacerbation of their condition.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Regular physical activity has been proven to reduce symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety and at the same time improving an individual’s mood and cognitive function. Promoting physical activity helps the health service to cost-effectively address the growing burden of mental ill-health within communities and potentially reduce the reliance on medication and other high-cost treatments.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Physical activity plays a vital role in facilitating recovery and restoring function following injury or illness. Specialist activity programmes can help patients regain strength, flexibility, and mobility, speeding up the recovery process and reducing the risk of long-term disability. In addition, patients preparing to undergo surgery or treatment for an illness or injury, recover better and quicker when their fitness and strength has been improved before the medical intervention is undertaken. This benefits not only the individuals recovery but also the health service financially due to shortened recovery and post-operative care times.
Promoting Community Engagement
Beyond its direct impact on individual health outcomes, physical activity is also a catalyst for community engagement and social cohesion. Opportunities for physical activity engagement within communities helps people to connect with each other, creating support networks that are essential to health and wellbeing. Community-based initiatives such as walking groups, fitness classes, and outdoor events not only promote physical health but also nurture social bonds and a sense of belonging which can promote wellness and disease prevention on a local level.
Physical activity is not just a significant foundation for preventing health conditions and supporting rehabilitation, it is at the heart of an effective healthcare system. Leveraging the power of physical activity enables the health service to reduce the prevalence and impact of chronic diseases, improve patient outcomes, and cultivate a culture of wellness across communities.