None the less, the future of exercise with medical populations seems to gaining momentum. More types of out-patient programs are cropping up, and some hospitals have adopted a rehabilitative format, performing therapy services in addition to acute patient care.

We would hope that it is part of a change in the system that now pays an enormous amount of money for medical procedures, to one which will help pay costs for "preventive health care", which would include diet and exercise as the main components. Time will tell as to how the current political administration will handle today's health care issues. If individuals are aware of the benefits of exercise therapy for special population needs, perhaps they will seek out exercise instruction in their community, and make a change in the system by themselves.

About the author:
Eric P. Durak received his Master's degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Michigan in 1986. His research and clinical interests include exercise applications for special populations groups, such as diabetes (IDDM, NIDDM, GDM), pregnancy, and metabolic disorders. He has published scientific articles in: The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Diabetes Care, Sports Training, Medicine, Rehabilitation, and The Somatics Journal. He is the author of "Exercise and Diabetes - a Guidebook for Health Professionals, published through Medical Health and Fitness, based in Santa Barbara, CA.