Misconception between being fit and healthy

Being fit means physically capable of performing daily functional activities with optimal performance, endurance, and strength to manage minimal diseases, fatigue, stress and brings about reduced sedentary behaviour. It involves physical attributes like muscular strength, endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and body composition. It is achieved through exercise and physical activity. On the other hand being healthy is a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease, it comprises physical, mental social wellbeing including a balanced diet, stress management & sufficient sleep. General physicians address this distinction by fitness, health, physician role and tailor recommendations accordingly.

General physicians consider both fitness and overall health in their practice. They recommend specific exercise programs to improve fitness level and also address other aspects of health like nutrition, stress, management & sleep habits. They may also refer patients to specialists if specific health conditions require further investigation.

Physicians tailor their recommendations to individual needs and goals. For example, a patient who wants to improve their running performance will receive different recommendations from that of someone struggling with chronic pain or stress.
Often people assume being physically fit means being healthy. A person might exercise regularly but might have a poor diet, have inadequate sleep, or manage stress poorly which can lead to various health problems. Even if a person is physically fit, they might eat a poor diet, have inadequate sleep, or manage stress. They might have undiagnosed conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, which can increase their risk of serious health problems.

The role of general physicians in identifying and addressing underlying health issues are to conduct physical exams to assess overall health, including vital signs, heart and lung function and neurological reflexes and to develop treatment plans, which may include medications, lifestyle changes or referrals to specialists. They play a crucial role in preventive care such as vaccinations, screening of common diseases and providing guidance on healthy behaviours like diet & exercise.

They do burst misconceptions like, Patients may believe that all natural or organic products are inherently healthier and that artificial ingredients are harmful leading to potentially harmful choices like avoiding medication & supplements, Patients may also believe that specific diet or exercise plan works for everyone, ignoring individual needs & circumstances.

Encourage your physical trainer to personalize your health & fitness plans considering individual preference, medical conditions & lifestyle factors. General physicians access and promote overall health and wellness by evaluating various aspects beyond physical fitness, including mental health, social support & lifestyle habits. They use tools like questionnaires, discussion, and screening to identify potential issues and develop personalized strategies for improvement. Which also play’s a crucial role in preventative care and early detection of diseases.

General physicians play a crucial role in preventing and managing chronic disease by acting as the primary point of contact for patient care, providing education on healthy lifestyles and coordinating with specialists to develop comprehensive treatment plans. PT can help prioritize their health and wellness in pool partnership with their physicians by actively participating in regular check-ups following treatment plans & making lifestyle changes that support their overall wellbeing.

(Dr. Sangeeta, MD General Medicine, Apollo Clinic, Chanda Nagar, Hyderabad)