8 Health care professionals are more likely to educate their patients and discuss the importance of physical activity and proper nutrition if they themselves practice these healthy lifestyle habits. Health educators also engage in regular exercise, with 88% reporting regular participation in physical activity. 3, 6, 7 Similarly, physical therapists smoke at rates lower than the general population. Physicians (1.6%) smoke cigarettes at rates lower than the general population (20.9%). 3 –, 5 Physicians consume about the same amount of alcohol as the general population (90% consume alcohol and 35% do so nightly). When it comes to exercise, both physicians and physical therapists have higher levels of physical activity than the general population: 60% to 93% of physicians and 64.5% of physical therapists reported participating in regular physical activity. Health professionals are considered health and fitness behavior role models because many people assume that they will apply their professional knowledge to their own lifestyle. However, a lifelong practice of physical activity can decrease these risks and improve a person's quality of life. Obesity increases the risk of coronary artery disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis while decreasing cardiovascular and respiratory function. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1 caloric imbalance from physical inactivity and poor diet are the major causes of obesity in our society. Health and fitness lifestyle factors have garnered much attention over the past decade as obesity has become increasingly prevalent in America. Athletic trainers reported positive role model behaviors for alcohol and tobacco use.
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