Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network introduces ‘Prescription to Get Active’ program
Exercise prescriptions are now a viable option when visiting a local doctor under the new 'Prescription to Get Active' program. This project is piloted by the City of Leduc and the Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network (LBD PCN).
"This is a unique partnership between family physicians and the community to highlight the significance of regular exercise as an integral component of healthy living, disease prevention and the management of many chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease," said Len Frank, Executive Director of the LBD PCN.
"Physicians often prescribe medications to treat diseases. Through this program, they can prescribe exercise to their patients in the same way to signify the importance of exercise in both preventing and managing numerous chronic diseases."
This partnership includes 50 local family physicians who are members of the LBD PCN. Patients who need more physical activity are given a physician's prescription for a complementary one-month membership to the Leduc Recreation Centre (LRC).
Patients can choose any LRC activity, such as swimming, walking or strength training.
"Promoting healthy lifestyles to prevent diseases is a routine component of the care family physicians provide to their patients every day," said Frank. The program's objective is simple: to get patients more active.
"There is very strong scientific evidence that physical activity improves health and quality of life, as well as significantly reduces the risks of chronic disease, disability and premature death," says Dr. Michael Gault, President of the LBD PCN.
The 'Prescription to Get Active' program began in October and will extend through the summer of 2012.
"This innovative partnership between primary care physicians and a major recreation centre may be unique in Canada," said Roger Smolnicky, LRC director. "We believe the results of this pilot project will affirm the importance of physical recreation as a vital strategy to achieve and maintain good health."
To become involved in the Prescription to Get Active program, please see your LBD PCN member physician.
Please see the press release regarding Prescription to Get Active:
Leduc Representative