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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

James Christina, DPM, Scientific Affairs, American Podiatric Medical Association, 9312 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-581-9265, jrchristina@apma.org

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) established the Clinical Practice Advisory Committee (CPAC) for the purpose of gathering data from podiatric practices and developing research projects whose goal was to identify protocols that, when followed, would result in increased prevention and superior treatment outcomes. The first area of focus that CPAC selected was walking. One of the most effective treatments for the health problems and complications related to obesity is walking, because it has a positive impact on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and other objectively measured bodily functions known to be associated with the reduction or prevention of complications of disease. The first step undertaken by the committee was the 2005 APMA Walking Survey, conducted by Allan H. Fisher, Jr., PhD, and Associates, under the auspices of APMA.

After reviewing and analyzing the survey results, Al Fisher Associates, Inc., made the following six recommendations: (1) Develop a checklist of the injuries most frequently sustained by walkers, to be used in assisting with patient education. (2) Assemble the strategies found successful in getting patients to walk more into a Walking Guide. (3) Utilize the positive findings in various marketing initiatives. (4) Share the data on shoe recommendations with industry. (5) Share the powerful success stories with other health care professions and the general public. (6) Conduct research, such as studies utilizing before-and-after-treatment measurement of the time patients spend walking, to determine which treatment modalities most affect patient walking activity and patient health.

Learning Objectives:

• Familiarize attendees with the results of the APMA 2005 walking survey. Utilize the results of the survey to enable attendees to develop an appropriate walking program for their patients and understand the health benefits of a walking program.

Keywords: Adult Health, Exercise

Related Web page: apma.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation