Move to Heal: Physical Activity and Exercise Strategies for Preventing and Managing Chronic Disease

This book offers a comprehensive, evidence-based exploration of the role of movement in combating the global burden of chronic diseases. With conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, mental health disorders, arthritis, and obesity on the rise, physical activity is a cornerstone of prevention and management. The book traces the evolution of physical activity from a necessity for survival to a critical component of modern healthcare. It delves into the therapeutic benefits of exercise for various chronic conditions, providing evidence-based guidelines tailored to diverse populations. A dedicated chapter on exercise-program design offers a structured framework for healthcare professionals, fitness experts, and policymakers.

The book examines key considerations in measuring physical activity, from traditional assessments to digital tools that enhance accuracy. It explores behavioral and environmental factors influencing participation, addressing barriers through behavioral-change strategies and ecological models. Special attention is given to emerging global challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 on physical activity behaviors and the need for culturally tailored approaches for migrant populations.

Bridging research, practical applications, and policy insights, this book is an essential resource for anyone committed to leveraging movement as medicine—an accessible, cost-effective tool for promoting health and longevity in diverse populations and settings.

Dr. Jayantha Dassanayake is a chronic disease and physical activity epidemiologist specializing in qualitative and quantitative research methods. His background in exercise physiology, chronic disease prevention, and health promotion has shaped his work in disease management. He earned his PhD from the University of Melbourne's Centre for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic & Analytic Epidemiology. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alberta's International Institute of Qualitative Methodology, contributing to research on health policy and ethnicity. He also holds a Master of Applied Science (Sports) from the University of Ballarat, Australia, and a Diploma in Sports Coaching from the Carnegie School of Human Movement and Sports, Leeds, UK. With over 40 years of experience as a strength and conditioning coach, Sr i Lanka Special Forces fitness consultant, and sports and cardiovascular nutritionist lecturer across ministerial, governmental, and non-governmental sectors in Sri Lanka, he has built strong collaborations with public health and medical professionals across South Asia, the UK, and Canada. He is the only Ph. D.-qualified physical activity epidemiologist of South Asian origin. He has held academic positions in Australia and contributed significantly to research, publishing widely in local and international journals.