Authors: Hugo Vieira Pereira (Exercise Physiology), Mónica Santos (Nutrition) and Sofia Corredoura (Internal Medicine) Two people of the same gender and age, even with similar risk factors, may have very different needs. They sleep differently, move differently, live in different circumstances and respond differently to exercise. It is precisely from this reality that an increasingly important concept in healthcare has emerged: precision prevention . We have long known that being physically active helps reduce the risk of several chronic diseases, preserve functional capacity, and improve health and quality of life. This is why recommendations such as walking more, spending less time sitting, or exercising regularly remain essential. But there is a difference between knowing that exercise is good for us and understanding the best way to integrate it into each person’s life. We do not all start from the same point. Age, physical condition, health status, sleep, eating habits, family and professional circumstances, motivation, and the environment in which we live can all influence our ability to be physically active. Bringing all this information together does not make prevention more complex. Rather, it helps us understand each person better and make prevention strategies more effective and relevant : intervening in the most appropriate way, at the right time, and according to each person’s actual needs. A recently published paper in Sports Medicine proposes placing physical activity at the heart of this preventive approach. Physical activity is one of the modifiable behaviors with the greatest potential impact on health. It is also something that we can assess, monitor and modify over time. However, truly integrating physical activity into healthcare means going beyond the general recommendation to exercise more. It means regularly assessing physical activity levels and the amount of time spent in sedentary behavior, identifying potential barriers and, when necessary, assessing physical fitness, as this is an important indicator of health and future disease risk. For some people, a simple recommendation and a few changes to their daily routine may be enough. For others, particularly those with chronic diseases, risk factors, physical limitations or long periods of inactivity, a more detailed assessment and an individualized exercise prescription may be important. This is where referral to and follow-up by professionals with specific expertise become particularly important. Smartwatches, apps and other devices now allow us to monitor many aspects of our daily lives. We can track how many steps we take, how much time we spend being active, our heart rate, sleep, and a range of other indicators. Over time, these technologies can help us understand patterns, identify changes in behavior, and monitor goals related to physical activity and exercise. Artificial intelligence may also play an increasingly important role in analyzing this information and personalizing recommendations. However, it is important not to confuse having more data with making better decisions. Not all measurements provided by a device have the same level of accuracy or clinical relevance. Technology can help, but it should be used as a complement to professional assessment and to understanding the person as a whole. In all circumstances, it remains essential to understand each person’s needs, preferences, limitations and goals. It is easy to say that someone should walk more, exercise more or spend less time sitting. In practice, this is not always straightforward. Working hours, family responsibilities, financial resources, the environment in which a person lives, access to safe places to walk or exercise, and access to professional support can all have a significant influence on individual choices. For this reason, prevention cannot depend solely on individual responsibility. We also need to create environments, services and opportunities that make it easier to be physically active. True precision prevention should bring together two essential dimensions: Better understanding each individual; Creating conditions that make healthier behaviors easier. Physical activity should not simply be a recommendation made at the end of a medical appointment. It should be part of a more structured pathway that includes: Assessment; Identifying needs; Setting goals; Prescribing exercise when necessary; Ongoing monitoring and follow-up. Physical activity remains one of the most powerful tools for promoting health and preventing disease. The challenge is not simply to recommend more movement, but to help each person find the most appropriate way to integrate it into their life. This is the principle at the heart of truly personalized prevention. Precision prevention at Hospital da Luz Turning recommendations into concrete actions is one of the main challenges of modern prevention. It was in this context that Hospital da Luz developed its Preventive Medicine Programmes for Exercise and Physical Activity. These programmes are designed to meet different needs, from people who want to increase their physical activity levels to those looking to start or maintain an exercise programme in a more structured way and with professional support. If you would like to increase your physical activity, start a more structured exercise programme, or use movement as a tool to promote your health, this could be a good time to take the first step. Find out more about the Hospital da Luz Preventive Medicine Programme for Exercise and Physical Activity and find the option best suited to your goals and needs. Reference: Steinacker JM, van Mechelen W, Engebretsen L, et al. Precision prevention for health: The Global Alliance Framework for the Promotion of Physical Activity. Sports Med 2026. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
