People can boost their health and fitness thanks to a new initiative managed by the HSE West which aims to help them prevent and manage chronic disease.
The GP exercise referral project is based on a partnership of the Irish College of General Practitioners, the HSE and the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management. It provides people with an easy way to increase their levels of physical activity and to stay active.
GPs refer them to a local exercise co-ordinator who helps them become more active. The co-ordinator, who has completed a HSE national training course for the programme, will develop a 12 week exercise programme for the participant.
The programme will focus on the type of activity they enjoy and this will be based on their requirements and time commitments. Over the 12 weeks the co-ordinator will gradually increase their activity levels, motivation and confidence so that on completion they have the skills needed to stay active, happy and healthy for life.
Paul Gillen, physical activity health promotion officer, HSE West says the programme is very successful.
“It provides participants with the information, knowledge and most importantly, motivation to get active and to stay active. It will hopefully assist many people in the prevention and management of chronic disease”
For more information contact Paul Gillen, HSE West GP exercise referral programme co-ordinator at (091 ) 548323 or email [email protected]
