A fresh prescription in Wales for a healthier lifestyle

Jan 19 2008 by Madeleine Brindley, Western Mail

PATIENTS across Wales at risk of developing a chronic disease will be given the option to join a structured exercise programme.

It is hoped the NHS exercise referral scheme will also persuade the population to become more active and take better care of their general health.

The move, backed by £11.5m of Welsh Assembly Government funding, will be rolled out across Wales by the autumn.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan, who yesterday launched the scheme in Bridgend, said, “We all know that longevity is increasing in Wales, but not necessarily quality of life because of chronic conditions.

“Seeing people’s quality of life change, despite a chronic condition, is what lifestyle change is all about.

“A key part of creating a country which has more fun is if it makes the right lifestyle changes.

“This is about trying to get people in Wales to make the lifestyle changes they need and to persuade them it is fun.”

Evidence suggests that exercise and physical activity can help prevent around 20 chronic conditions, including heart disease.

In the case of cardiovascular disease, physical activity helps to improve several risk factors, including raised blood pressure, adverse blood lipid profiles and insulin resistance.

Professor Sir Liam Donaldson, England’s chief medical officer said in his annual report, “People who are physically active reduce their risk of developing major chronic diseases – such as coronary heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes – by up to 50%, and the risk of premature death by about 20% to 30%.

“Being active is no longer simply an option – it is essential if we are to live healthy and fulfilling lives into old age.”

Dr Ian O’Connor, a GP in Bridgend who has referred patients to the area’s pilot scheme, said, “The major benefits are a general feeling of well-being and improvements in various physical things, such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

“Many people have said that they feel as though they are doing something positive for themselves. It provides a psychological boost, social interaction and can help people feel less isolated.”

As part of the scheme, GPs will be asked to identify patients at risk of developing a chronic condition and refer them for exercise.

All areas of Wales will be running the scheme by the autumn.

The new exercise referral scheme comes on the back of the Wales-wide free swimming for children and older people initiatives, and provides further scope for council-run leisure centres to play a role in improving the nation’s health.

Cheryl Green, leader of Bridgend Council, said, “This scheme is not just for the short term, as the recognised benefits will be seen in the future in a drop of illnesses in the community.”

Keith Jones, 72, from Pencoed, who suffers from lung disease and rheumatoid arthritis, attends exercise sessions twice a week. “All I used to do was to potter about in the shed, then I was referred here and feel much better,” he said.

Brian Pennell, 68, from Bridgend, who suffered a stroke, said, “I get tired during the day because of the stroke, but this exercise has helped to boost my energy levels. I also feel a lot better in myself.”