Riebe named editor for exercise, health guide

Dr. Deborah Riebe, professor and chair of the kinesiology dept. at the University of Rhode Island, has been nominated as to act as the senior editor for the 10th edition of the “American College of Sports Medicine’s Guidelines for Exercise and Prescription.” The book is considered an industry standard and it is used as a reference by clinical exercise, public health and other health care professionals for treating both healthy individuals, as well as those with a chronic disease or condition. The handbook is also used as a supplementary textbook and as a resource for professionals preparing for the ACSM exam. She holds a B.S. in physical education from Springfield College, an M.S. in exercise science from the University of Rhode Island and a Ph.D. in exercise physiology from the University of Connecticut.

PBN: You have written and lectured about a diverse range of medical topics, but is there a focus that you have found either particularly compelling, or important to raise awareness about?
RIEBE: For the general public, I believe that it is important to spread the message that “Exercise is Medicine.” Physical activity continues to take on an increasingly important role in the prevention and treatment of multiple chronic diseases, health conditions and their risk factors, yet at least half of Americans do not meet minimal guidelines for physical activity. While many people understand that exercise is good for them, few realize, for example, that exercise plays an important role in the prevention of diabetes and certain forms of cancer.

PBN: Do you have any tips for developing a healthy diet/exercise routine for professionals that work long hours?
RIEBE: Introducing as much physical activity into the average workday is helpful. New research shows that extended periods of sitting is detrimental to good health, even if one exercises. People can do simple things such as standing in their office whenever possible and walking to a colleague’s office to talk with them rather than sending an e-mail. However, it is also important to engage is structured exercise. … Busy people should consider exercising in the morning before work, so if they get detained, they will not miss their workout. A relatively small time commitment can make a big difference to one’s overall health and well-being.

PBN: Could you describe the kinesiology curriculum at URI?
RIEBE: The kinesiology program consists of two programs: Exercise Science and Health and Physical Education (HPE) Teacher Education. Approximately 90 percent of the students are in the exercise science program, which includes course work in exercise physiology, exercise testing and prescription for healthy individuals, as well as those with chronic disease, biomechanics, and behavioral medicine. •

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