Physical therapists support the need for proper nutrition and appropriate levels of exercise as important factors in leading a healthy lifestyle, echoing a message contained in the recently revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 that was released on January 12, 2005, by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The guidelines provide authoritative advice for people two years and older about how good dietary habits and incorporating appropriate daily physical activity can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases.

"The elements of sound diet and daily physical activity work together to contribute to a healthful life with reduced risk of disease," says American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) President Ben F Massey Jr., MA, PT. "By encouraging daily, moderate physical activity of at least 30 minutes above a person's usual activity as an integral part of healthy lifestyle, the Dietary Guidelines can positively affect the life of many Americans. In addition, by recommending overall physical fitness that includes cardiovascular conditioning, stretching and strength training, Americans can lessen their chance many devastating diseases like osteoporosis, coronary artery disease and diabetes."

The guidelines were developed through a process that relied on the best available research evidence. "The use of evidence as a basis for the decisions made in the guidelines helps healthcare workers understand how they can be applied to certain patients. This leads to more informed patients and healthcare workers," says Massey. "We hope for continued support for research in the areas of disease prevention, physical activity and nutrition that can pave the way to the elimination of certain diseases that severely affect the lives of Americans."

The guidelines identify 41 key recommendations, of which 23 are for the general public and 18 for special populations that include children and adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women, older adults, individuals of different racial/ethnic groups and those with certain chronic disorders. Physical therapists are dedicated to promoting health and wellness of all Americans through preventing functional decline and the development of certain conditions.

Source: APTA