May 24, 2013
Most people know the usual vital signs, like blood pressure, temperature and pulse. But what about exercise?
There's a movement afoot to add questions about exercise to the list of routine checks done at the start of most doctor visits. That means putting the minutes you exercise weekly at the top of your medical chart along with other vital signs.
Doctors who support the idea say it emphasizes that physical inactivity is riskier than high blood pressure, obesity and other health risks.
It started a few years ago at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California and has spread to Kaiser plans in other states. Other health systems from Utah to Illinois have adopted the idea or plan to this year.
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