Improve Health, Prevent Disease
What if there was one medicine so powerful in maintaining and improving health that it could prevent and treat dozens of diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and obesity? Good news: there is. Exercise can treat and prevent many diseases, and FirstHealth Fitness is committed to making fitness accessible to all. In partnership with providers and participants, FirstHealth's Exercise is Medicine program helps you develop and reach goals to improve your health.
You could be a good fit for EIM Is you currently get less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week, are at risk for chronic disease or are dealing with chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Talk with your primary care provider about receiving a referral and exercise prescription.
What is Exercise is Medicine?
Exercise is Medicine (EIM) is a provider-referral program hosted by FirstHealth Fitness. The program allows you to meet with an exercise specialist to develop goals and receive an Exercise Prescription.
What is the cost?
The EIM Consultation is FREE. There is no charges for the patient’s consultation with the exercise specialist, and the patient’s insurance will not be billed. The only costs that will incur are for patients who elect services such as membership, personal training and personal nutrition counseling.
What can I expect?
The Medical Fitness program is approximately eight weeks. You will have opportunities to meet with your exercise trainers, receive orientations to equipment, address concerns and have feedback sent to your provider.
What should I bring to my initial assessment?
You should come to your to all of your assessments in comfortable clothing and appropriate exercise shoes. For your initial assessment, bring a list of your current medications and information regarding your medical history.
What is the purpose of EIM?
The main purpose for the EIM program is to partner with providers who can help you understand and act on using regular exercise as a method of treatment for attaining and maintaining health.
Am I right for the program?
The program is for individuals who do not currently participate in at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week, who are at risk for chronic diseases, who are currently dealing with chronic conditions (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, etc.), or anyone who needs assistance beginning and incorporating an exercise plan into their lifestyle.
How can I participate in the program?
Communicate with your provider about incorporating exercise into your lifestyle. Should your physician approve, have him or her complete the Exercise is Medicine Referral Form and fax it to (910) 715-1850. You will receive a phone call to set up your initial appointment.
Why providers are necessary to EIM?
When providers formally provide referrals and resources, individuals are more likely to act on the prescription. It is important to keep your doctor informed about changes in your health status as these changes may affect medication requirements.
EIM Information for Providers
Referring patients to Exercise is Medicine gives patients an opportunity to be consulted on goals providers set for them. The main purpose for the EIM program is to partner with providers who can lead patients to understand and act on using regular exercise as a method of treatment for attaining and maintaining health.
EIM Referral Form
Patients who identify with one or more of the following can be referred to EIM: does not participate in at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week, is at risk for chronic diseases, is currently dealing with a chronic illness or needs assistance beginning and incorporating an exercise plan into their life. Any provider from any clinic can refer patients to the program.
Other Medical Fitness Options
FirstHealth offers a number of additional medical fitness programs designed to improve and maintain a health lifestyle.
Cancer Wellness
Cancer survivors and those currently undergoing treatment benefit from an integrative fitness program including gentle yoga, Pilates, meditation and relaxation techniques to reconnect the mind and body while slowly advancing their fitness level through strength and aerobic exercise.
Diabetes Fitness
Diabetes can be complex, but this physical activity program can help you manage your diabetes by improving blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity and weight maintenance. We also recommend participation in the FirstHealth Diabetes Self-management Program.
Fit for Surgery
Designed for pre-surgical patients who want to increase strength and endurance to improve their recovery time.
Functional Fitness
Increase your daily function and reduce pain with this gentle movement exercise for people with arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune conditions.
Healthy Heart Fitness
If you have certain risk factors for cardiovascular disease like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and you don’t qualify for cardiac rehab, your physician can refer you to Healthy Heart Fitness. Reduce your risk, gain strength and increase endurance through this heart healthy program.
Inactive to Active
If you have health issues due to an inactive lifestyle, this exercise program can help you improve your health and stamina, reduce specific risk factors, and prevent the development of certain conditions related to a sedentary lifestyle.
Orthopedic Fitness
While managing a recurring injury or after completing physical therapy, this program can help you become active again with regular, consistent exercise.
Pulmonary Fitness
This program will help increase your level of physical activity if you have pulmonary or respiratory conditions and do not qualify for Pulmonary Rehab.
Weight Management
Learn how to develop new physical activity habits essential to pursuing lifelong, healthy weight maintenance.
All 8-Week programs offer:
- Individualized exercise prescription
- Full access to appropriate exercise classes
- A summary report provided to you and your physician
- Free orientation to equipment
- Unlimited full access to the center and its amenities
- Communication with your provider
- After graduating from the program, participants receive one free month with a 6- or 12-month membership
