Resolve to get active with the Prescription to Get Active program
Through the new Prescription to Get Active program, Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network (LBD PCN) patients can now be prescribed exercise by their family physician.
The LBD PCN has partnered with local municipalities in a unique venture where local family physicians prescribe physical activity to patients who they feel would benefit from increased activity.
With each “Prescription to Get Active”, doctors are able to prescribe the intensity, duration and frequency of activity a patient is suggested to take on in order to prevent future medical issues. Regular physical exercise has been shown to improve health and quality of life, as well as significantly reduces the risks of chronic disease, disability and premature death.
“Physicians often prescribe medications to treat diseases and through this program they can prescribe exercise to their patients as a way to signify to patients the importance of exercise in both preventing and managing numerous chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.” says Len Frank, Executive Director of the LBD PCN. “This program demonstrates the collective commitment of family physicians, the City of Leduc and the Town of Beaumont to improving the health and wellness of the communities we serve.”
This unique partnership includes community-based recreation centres and 51 LBD PCN member physicians who promote active living in Leduc, Beaumont Devon and the surrounding region by encouraging their patients to ‘get active’. Some suggested activities include walking the dog, enjoying outdoor winter activities, riding a bike to work and may also include utilizing facilities such as local recreation centres.
Eligible LBD PCN patients may also receive a one-month S&D Aqua-Fit Centre or Leduc Recreation Centre membership via a physician’s prescription and can choose any activity such as swimming or fitness classes. Physicians have been provided with “prescription pads” to write the patient’s prescription to get active. Patients are required to call the facility to set up an initial appointment where they will receive a tour of the facility, have an orientation and instruction session with staff and receive an individually designed program.
The project, which launched at the end of October and has received positive feedback from both LBD PCN patients and member physicians, will run until summer 2012.
For more information on Prescription to Get Active, please visit www.lbdpcn.com