The American Physical Therapy Association has kicked off a public awareness campaign to promote the power of physical activity in preventing and addressing a host of health issues and to improve the quality of life for all ages and abilities.

Yes, physical therapists help people rehab from injury and manage physical problems, but that's only part of their role. What do physical therapists have to do with addressing the alarming lack of physical activity among Americans?

"Everything!" says Carrie Pagliano, who joins us in this episode of Move Forward Radio. Carrie is the national spokesperson for the public awareness campaign. She has spent the last 20 years helping people achieve or return to active lifestyles.

What are the recommended guidelines for physical activity, and what are some easy ways to achieve them? What resources are available to help people move more and take the first step toward better fitness? And how can a physical therapist help you meet the physical activity guidelines that will benefit your health and quality of life?

Carrie answers all those questions and more. She also admits that her own motivation to get moving sometimes needs a push.

Her first bit of advice: "Don't get bogged down in the loaded word exercise."

Download the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Play, or listen below.

Carrie J. Pagliano, PT, DPT, is a dynamic leader who speaks and educates nationally. A board-certified clinical specialist in both orthopaedic physical therapy and women's health physical therapy, she is founder of Carrie Pagliano PT, LLC, and an adjunct professor at both Marymount University and Lynchburg University in Virginia. Carrie serves as an appointed advisory board member to the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network: National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National, Institute of Child Health and Human Development.