Making Physical Activity Counseling a Priority in Clinical Practice: The Time for Action Is Now.

Overwhelming evidence indicates that regular physical activity is one of the most powerful healthpromoting practices that physicians and other health care professionals can recommend for patients.1 For decades, scientific research has shown that regular physical activity protects against major chronic diseases, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, stroke, cognitive decline, selected cancers, and even depression.1-3 There is broad consensus within the medical and public health communities that physical activity yields wide-ranging health benefits. Moreover, no other single intervention or treatment is associated with such a diverse array of benefits. In a recent “call to action” for a National Physical Activity Plan, the American Heart Association highlighted that a lack of physical activity represents a leading cause of death worldwide.1 Directed at numerous groups, including health care professionals and public health practitioners, the report emphasized