In this engaging episode of The Medical Fitness Podcast, Dr. Andrew Mock, a leader in lifestyle and preventive medicine, brings listeners into his practice to demonstrate how he seamlessly transitions patients from medical and rehabilitation care into the fitness domain. Using practical assessments like the sit-to-stand test, Dr. Mock shows how simple screens can serve both as interventions and teaching tools, making strength training accessible and relevant for clinicians and patients alike. His approach highlights the current gaps in medical education, particularly regarding resistance training, and the crucial role it plays in optimizing patient outcomes.

Dr. Mock also discusses his proactive efforts to bridge the gap between medicine, rehab, and fitness by personally vetting local fitness professionals to create a trusted referral network. He emphasizes the need for clinicians to better understand and incorporate strength training principles into their practice. This episode is essential listening for clinicians seeking to overcome common barriers to exercise referrals and learn how to collaborate effectively with fitness professionals. Dr. Mock’s unique perspective as both a competitive strength athlete and physician provides valuable insights into why strength training should be a core component of healthcare. This "outside-the-box" thinking is exactly what’s needed to reshape patient care today.

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In this episode of the Medical Fitness Podcast, Dr. Laurie Whitsel, a leading policy expert from the American Heart Association and advisor to the Physical Activity Alliance, explores the intersection of public policy and healthcare in promoting physical activity. She discusses the ongoing efforts to make physical activity assessment, prescription, and referral a routine part of clinical care in the U.S. healthcare system. Dr. Whitsel shares exciting initiatives such as the development of standardized measures in electronic health records and the collaboration with healthcare systems to reduce barriers and ensure physical activity becomes part of the clinical workflow.

Listeners will gain insight into the significant policy work being done behind the scenes to create opportunities for qualified exercise professionals to be recognized within the healthcare team and ultimately improve patient outcomes. This episode is packed with actionable insights for fitness professionals, clinicians, and policymakers alike who are interested in the future of physical activity in medicine and the broader movement towards value-based care.

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In this captivating episode of the Medical Fitness Podcast, hosts David Flench and Jeff Young are joined by Michael Stack, a highly respected exercise physiologist, health entrepreneur, and advocate for the fitness industry. Michael's career spans over two decades, and he has made significant strides in elevating the role of fitness professionals within the healthcare system. As the founder of Applied Fitness Solutions and host of the Wellness Paradox Podcast, Michael shares his journey from working in commercial fitness to becoming a prominent voice in medical fitness and policy change.

Listeners will be intrigued by Michael's discussion on the importance of values in both personal and organizational growth, as well as his unique approach to integrating fitness professionals into the healthcare ecosystem. He provides insight into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from a commercial fitness model to a medical fitness center and offers valuable lessons learned along the way. Michael also highlights his work with the Physical Activity Alliance and his role as guest editor for a special themed issue of the American College of Sports Medicine's Health & Fitness Journal, focusing on the professionalization of exercise professionals.

This episode is packed with insights on advocacy, policy change, and the future of medical fitness, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of fitness and healthcare. Whether you're a fitness professional, healthcare provider, or simply passionate about improving public health, Michael's perspective will leave you inspired and eager to engage in the ongoing transformation of the fitness industry. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in medical fitness—tune in to this episode of the Medical Fitness Podcast!

Please be sure to check out Mike's amazing podcast, The Wellness Paradox, at: https://www.wellnessparadoxpod.com/

You can also follow Mike on social media at:
https://www.instagram.com/wellnessparadox/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-stack-b74a5319/

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