Exercise for Wiltshire patients

31st January 2012, 11:29

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People who are overweight or depressed could soon be described a dose of exercise to help them get better.

A new 'physical activity referral programme' is launching for the whole of Wiltshire.

Active Health is a 12 week exercise programme that has been develop by Wiltshire Council and NHS Wiltshire, and supported by DC Leisure.

It allows GPs and other healthcare professionals to refer people with specific medical conditions who would benefit from a supported exercise programme, like depression, being overweight, family history of heart disease, as well as offer specialist classes of Exercise after Stroke, Cardiac Phase IV Rehabilitation and Falls Prevention.

Each programme is individually tailored to each participant and could include activities such as gym sessions, swimming walking groups, or attendance at one of the specialist classes.  Participants on the scheme receive support and guidance from a nominated Active Health physical activity instructor and are encouraged to continue suitable exercise after the programme.

Maggie Rae, Joint Director of Public Health and Public Protection, NHS Wiltshire and Wiltshire Council, said: ''I am delighted to introduce the Active Health programme.  The scheme has been made possible by partnership working across many organisations, notably NHS Wiltshire, Wiltshire Council, DC Leisure and with GPs and other colleagues working in healthcare.  It has become increasingly clear in recent years that physical activity should be encouraged across the population.  The risks of engaging in physical activity are low for most of the population, but the risks of poor health resulting from inactivity are high.  There is a clear link between physical activity and chronic disease. Here in Wiltshire, we are keen to give people who can benefit from increasing physical activity the opportunity to access a range of opportunities that can help to improve their health''.

Stuart Wheeler, Wiltshire Council's Cabinet member for campus development and culture (including leisure, sport and libraries), Wiltshire Council, said: ''Wiltshire Council has a key role to play in encouraging everyone in the community to increase their participation in sports and physical activity, not only for personal fulfillment, but for improving health and well-being.  For specific health conditions, such as stroke and cardiac problems, physical activity can contribute to increased independence, enhanced quality of life and reduction in reliance on traditional treatments and medication. This is a true partnership approach between the NHS Wiltshire, and Wiltshire Council and one that we believe will make a difference to the quality of lives of many people in our community''.

People wanting to participate in the Active Health programme should arrange an appointment with their GP to discuss if they are suitable for referral.