Intermountain Healthcare asks patients more questions about exercise


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SALT LAKE CITY — While many visit the doctor looking for a cure for common ailments, a recent refocusing at Utah Intermountain Healthcare clinics, has providers talking disease prevention at every patient visit.

"The core culprit for much of what we see in terms of chronic disease is physical inactivity," said Liz Joy, a doctor at Intermountain Healthcare. "We have to get people moving."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical inactivity is a leading contributor to obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Being physically active can help control weight, reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers, strengthen bones and muscles and improve mental health.

With more movement in mind, doctors across the Intermountain Healthcare system have added something new to every patient visit.

"In February of this year, Intermountain Healthcare introduced a physical activity vital sign into our electronic health record," Joy said.

In other words, physicians are now asking about physical activity — not only formal exercise, but the frequency, duration and intensity of any significant periods of movement as well.

"We want to know how much activity you are participating in because activity is such an important component of health," Joy said. "In fact, it may be the most important component of health."


We want to know how much activity you are participating in because activity is such an important component of health. In fact, it may be the most important component of health.

–Liz Joy


It's part of Intermountain Healthcare's goal of putting more prevention of disease into the practice of medicine. That often calls for counseling patients about strategies for meeting established physical activity guidelines, Joy said.

"Patients often say to me, ‘Well no one's asked me about my activity before, why are you asking?'" Joy said. "That gives me an opportunity to kind of educate them a little bit. And having the vital sign allows us to ask them about it every visit."

Joy recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.

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UtahYour Life - Your Health
Lori Prichard

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