This year has highlighted the critical role that physical activity plays in the physical and mental health of Islanders of all ages. It is one of the most effective ways to prevent and treat a range of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, and depression, as well as musculoskeletal and occupational injuries. Kinesiology Week (Nov. 23-29) is an ideal time to recognize the growing role of kinesiologists — university-educated health professionals who use physical activity to promote the health, well-being and physical performance of Islanders.
Kinesiologists work collaboratively with other health professionals in a variety of clinical, occupational and athletic settings, and their services are covered under some private insurance programs. Although a relatively new profession on P.E.I., kinesiologists now contribute to a variety of important programs throughout our province. A kinesiologist and dietitian work together to lead the CHANGE program, which provides free exercise and diet advice to Islanders at risk for heart disease and diabetes in eight communities across P.E.I. Another kinesiologist leads a government-funded online exercise program for Islanders with cancer, diabetes, COPD and cardiovascular disease, while another supervises exercise for patients undergoing hemodialysis and cancer treatments. Many kinesiologists work with other movement specialists to prescribe exercise in local rehabilitation clinics, while others oversee exercise programs for elite athletes and the general public in private fitness facilities. In all of these programs, kinesiologists collaborate with other health-care professionals to ensure that participants receive exercise prescriptions that are safe and appropriate for their personal circumstances.
Kinesiologists also play important roles in injury prevention – by performing physical demands analyses and ergonomic assessments to reduce the risk of injuries for Island workers, and performing occupational fitness testing for first responders. Student members of Kinesiology P.E.I. also contribute to our community by supporting the above programs, and by offering free online personal training for Islanders this fall. Finally, several local kinesiologists are involved in teaching and research, studying the many important roles of human movement and educating future kinesiologists.
These local kinesiologist-led initiatives have improved the health of hundreds of Islanders, and have also provided learning opportunities for kinesiology students. Looking ahead to 2021, Kinesiology P.E.I. looks forward to continued collaborations with other health-care professionals to support healthy active lifestyles for all Islanders.
Travis Saunders, kinesiologist, is president of Kinesiology P.E.I.
