Physicians On The Move
West Virginia on the Move facilitated the pilot project for America on the Move titled “Physicians on the Move.”  The project was conducted in ten physicians’ offices throughout the state of West Virginia and was spearheaded by Dr. William Neal of Morgantown and the West Virginia Medical Foundation.  Each physician was encouraged to discuss a physical activity regimen to twenty-five of their high risk patients.  The premise of America on the Move’s energy balance was discussed with the patients and they were encouraged to walk an extra 2000 steps a day.  The results of this pilot program serve as the model for the national “Health Providers on the Move” program.  This will be a coordinated effort between America on the Move and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Healthy West Virginia Summit
The West Virginia Medical Foundation worked with the National Governor’s Association to host a preventive medicine conference “Healthy West Virginia Summit 2003:  Preventing Chronic Illness”.  The conference participants enhanced their skills in:

• assessing the need for counseling and behavior change among borderline, overweight and obese patients;
• discussing weight issues with patients;
• creating a behavior change plan with their patients or accessing available resources; and,
• understanding behavioral interventions and environmental and policy interventions to increase physical activity.

Continuing medical education related to preventive medicine should be offered. For more information, visit www.wvsma.com/foundation/.