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Exercise is Medicine: Transforming Healthcare with Physical Activity

Dr. Shawn Harrington, Wellness Director at Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates, standing confidently in front of a colorful autumn background, representing the Exercise is Medicine® initiative at MCH
Exercise is Medicine: Transforming Healthcare with Physical Activity
Partnering with You to Create Healthy, Active Lifestyles

How Monadnock Community Hospital Prescribes Exercise to Prevent and Treat Disease

In an era of rising healthcare costs, incorporating physical activity into patient care is proving to be an effective, low-cost therapy for improving health outcomes. Managed by the American College of Sports Medicine, Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) encourages clinicians to include physical activity when designing treatment plans. Decades of research show that regular physical activity is as effective as prescription medication in managing several chronic diseases and is crucial for long-term weight management and overall health.

At Monadnock Community Hospital (MCH), we are committed to integrating physical activity into healthcare. Our Exercise is Medicine® program emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity as an integral part of preventing and treating diseases. This approach includes assessing physical activity levels during routine healthcare visits and providing tailored exercise recommendations.

Key Components of Exercise is Medicine® at MCH:

  • Physical Activity Assessment: At every visit, we assess your weekly physical activity levels using the Physical Activity Vital Sign, a simple measure that helps us understand your current activity habits. This involves asking two key questions:
  1. On average, how many days per week do you engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity (like brisk walking)?
  2. On average, how many minutes do you engage in physical activity at this level?
    The total activity is then calculated to help determine if you’re meeting the recommended guidelines.
  • Exercise Prescription: Based on your assessment, we provide personalized exercise recommendations. Adults should aim for 150-300 minutes of moderate physical activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, along with muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days per week. Every minute counts—whether it’s taking breaks from sitting, walking the dog, or using the stairs.
  • Resources and Referrals: We guide you to local parks, recreation programs, fitness facilities, and exercise professionals who can support your journey to better health. Additionally, the EIM “Sit Less. Move More” handout and other condition-specific resources are available to help you get started.

“Exercise is Medicine® is an important component of the healthcare paradigm at MCH. Increased physical activity has proven to be successful in helping prevent acute and chronic health issues,” says Shawn P. Harrington, MD, FAAPMR.

As a healthcare provider, we believe that physical activity should be addressed just as regularly as weight and blood pressure. Our commitment to “walk the walk” ensures that both our patients and healthcare providers experience the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Take the First Step Today:

At Monadnock Community Hospital, we are dedicated to supporting your journey toward a healthier, more active life. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit our Exercise is Medicine® page.