As Canadians become more sedentary risking health problems, doctors are increasingly prescribing exercise.
“Prescriptions to Get Active” are being handed out by several family physicians in the western city of Leduc, Alberta. They include check boxes for the intensity, duration and type of physical activity.
Patients considered healthy but at risk for obesity and chronic diseases are given the prescriptions in hopes they can avoid illnesses.
“There is a sense of tangibility and authoritativeness to a prescription,” said Dr. Justin Balko, a family physician and president of the Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network. “People understand what a prescription is. They know it’s not just a good idea. It’s a health expert telling them that they want to do this for their own health.”
More than 200 patients in Leduc have taken up the recommendations by signing up with a city’s recreation centre, which offers a free month-long membership as part of the program. Of those who signed up for the month free, nearly 30 per cent continued with long-term memberships.
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.