Physical Activity
Encouraging Physical Activity is one of the ways Live HealthSmart Alabama supports healthy choices. As one of our program’s four keys, we work to make physical activity more accessible through programs, partnerships, coaching, and counseling.
When you visit a doctor about a medical concern, you might receive a prescription for medication. However, your doctor might also recommend physical activity. Exercise and fresh air can help you on the path to better health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting at least 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity can lower risk of heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of dealth in the U.S.
Sedentary people generally walk about 2,000 to 3,000 steps each day, which equates to about one mile. Increasing your steps to 6,000 per day can significantly reduce risk of death. To help motivate people on their walking journey, we have incorporated walking clubs into our recommended physical activity goals for organizations and communities.
Forming a team is easy, simply grab a group of friends or co-workers and start walking.
HEALTH PROMOTING UNIVERSITY
Stairway to Wellness Initiative
Research has shown the built environment has a direct impact on people’s behavior. Through the Stairway to Wellness initiative, we’re trying to increase physical activity at the University of Alabama at Birmingham by creating spaces that inspire movement. As a Health Promoting University, we help facilitate improvements and cultivate a culture of health and well-being. To do this, our physical activity committee and its leaders—Michele Gould, MPH and Holly Wyatt, M.D.—have been working to identify locations, select artists, and establish a process for installing murals in 11 stairways across campus.
Submit a Mural Design Opens an external link.
Interested in Stairway to Wellness, but not at UAB? Increase your physical activity by taking the stairs in everyday places such as work, home, and the mall. Download our Stair Dare flyer opens a new website to hang near elevators and encourage others to do the same.
Exercise is Medicine is a global health initiative that aims to make physical activity a part of standard care. Established by the American College of Sports Medicine, this concept allows providers to assess the patient's current level of physical activity, provide an exercise prescription, and refer them to resources, programs, and places. At UAB, Dr. Irfan Asif, Associate Dean for Primary Care and Rural Health, Professor, and Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine, pioneered the program's implementation. Partnering with the YMCA, Lakeshore Foundation, and others, Exercise is Medicine gives participants the tools needed to get started on their health journey.
In support of the program, Live HealthSmart Alabama refers potential qualifying participants from its Mobile Wellness screenings. Patients then complete a pre-screening survey and questionnaire prior to enrolling.
To provide resources that address physical activity, we created the Health Education Library. This virtual library includes fact sheets with tips to increase your daily activity, whether you’re just getting started or are already on your fitness journey. These resources can be found in two places.