In the September edition of The BEACON newsletter, we included information on a podcast produced by WBUR. The MAGIC PILL is co-hosted by Carey Goldberg and Dr. Edward Phillips. As a clinical exercise physiologist, I recognize that many people do not have accurate information on how to approach exercise or what to expect from it. Confusion is added when research gets reported out of context or sensationalized. As one example, a study a few years ago received national attention because news agencies reported that the treadmill was the best form of exercise. It was intepreted this way because subjects burned the most calories when exercising on a treadmill as compared to other types of equipment. When I pulled up the article, I understood this study really applied to a very small number of people. It was performed in a college age population comprised of highly trained athletes. But to the lay person this research could be interpreted as “If I don’t have a treadmill to use, why bother?” While most people understand that exercise is good for them, this type of information misleads the public and undermines what they can do. Consider that every form of exercise, in every population studied, reports improvement in fitness measures. The real message is that everything counts, as long as you start safely and progress reasonably.
So, back to The MAGIC PILL podcast. I have attended many educational programs offered by the Institute of Lifestyle Medicine, which is directed by Dr. Phillips. He is driven to reduce lifestyle-related death and disease by empowering clinicians to intervene with patients about healthier lifestyle options. “Eddie” is also one of the nicest people you will ever meet. This podcast is his latest effort to reach an audience that needs to hear this message. The exericse information is clear, accurate, lighthearted and informs the listener how to celebrate success. If you are looking for a different approach to share with your patients, or for yourself, click here to listen to the pilot episode. Then don’t forget to register to receive 21 days of podcasts. Each is less than 10 minutes long and uses stories, tips and music to discuss the rewards, meaning and challenges of being physically active – for everyone.