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22 Aug 2014
Think-tank proposes GPs prescribe fitness classes in local parks
By Chris Dodd
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GPs could potentially refer patients to support groups like exercise classes in parks and green spaces
Photo: Shutterstock.com/Lucky Business
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Think-tank Policy Exchange has suggested that the UK government pilots a scheme to allow GPs to refer patients to non-clinical sources of support, such as fitness classes held in local parks.
The idea would see the patient pay a standard prescription charge, while the relevant clinical commissioning group would fund the rest of the cost, providing different options for the Department of Health and local providers to tackle health issues and growing levels of obesity.
The argument suggesting that physical activity can help positively manage chronic illnesses and prevent the development of serious diseases is growing in weight following increasing amounts of research.
Such is the importance of solving an inactivity crisis in the UK, key stakeholders from a range of relevant UK industries have been attempting to invigorate the discourse surrounding potential solutions across the UK.
The suggestion from Policy Exchange could open up opportunities for local leisure providers to make greater use of the new roles placed upon them.
Policy Exchange has also suggested an idea that would see volunteers who take time to clean and maintain local parks, allotments and cemeteries, rewarded with council tax rebates.
A recent piece of research has highlighted the positive impact green spaces can have on the health of urban dwellers, with the report suggesting that green spaces have a better impact on mid to long-term mental wellbeing than winning the lottery.
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