Saudi Gazette When we visit a doctor we usually expect to walk out with a prescription for a medicine that will cure our ailment. But what if the prescription only advises us to start exercising? You might be surprised, but in some countries this kind of prescription does actually exist. Also referred to as "Green Prescriptions", New Zealand was the first country that started experiencing with written advise to a patient or their family to become more physically active as part of a total health plan back in 1998. Since then, the initiative has grown and been transferred from the national sports and recreation body to the Ministry of Health. As of now, over 80 percent of New Zealand general practitioners in the country have issued green prescriptions to patients. What's more, other countries have started to implement similar schemes as well, including parts of Australia, the UK and the US. Effectiveness of green prescriptions Research on the effectiveness published in the British Journal of General Practice indicates that a Green Prescription increases physical activity and improves quality of life over 12 months, without evidence of adverse effect. A survey carried out this year shows that six to eight months after receiving their Green Prescription, 64 percent of patients are still more active than they were before. Meanwhile, 73 percent have noticed positive changes in their health. However, not all initiatives have been as effective as the New Zealand Green Prescription. In the UK, the Exercise Referral Scheme failed to get patients moving more: "After 12 weeks on the scheme, people were virtually back to where they started, and after six months, they were completely back to square one," tells Dr. William Bird, strategic health advisor for Natural England, to The Independent. A new initiative in the UK more resembling the New Zealand Green Prescription tries to make exercise more fun and sociable by combining a walk in a green space with, for example, a cup of tea afterwards, Bird explains. "It's all about trying to get exercise to be part of a fun life, not an add-on." As healthcare costs are on an alarming rise in many developed countries, green prescriptions are an inexpensive way to support prevention and management of medical conditions associated with inactivity, such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease if carried out effectively. Health benefits Evidence of the health benefits of spending time outdoors and in green spaces abounds and is still growing. To name just a few, being outside reduces tension and stress, improves the immune system, and increases physical activity. But, according to Dr. Bart Froyen, general practitioner for Midlands in New Zealand, most health benefits can be obtained by combining physical activity with an improved diet. "Oftentimes, people think they eat pretty healthy, but if you examine their diet a bit closer it turns out they don't." Froyen says the first thing he does when giving a Green Prescription is sending the patient to a dietitian and encouraging them to lose weight. "The aim of a Green Prescription is to change someone's lifestyle by offering customized physical activity." Get started! In New Zealand, green prescriptions are given to individuals or entire families. Patients can also choose whether they want to work on their goals alone or in a group, and whether they need ongoing support. In the latter case, a Patient Support Person encourages the patient to become more active by monthly telephone calls, face-to-face meetings, and group meetings with other patients. However, even if you live in a country that does not have such regulations in place you can get started. When it concerns cardiovascular issues such as cholesterol or high blood pressure, Froyen explains, the first thing is to quit smoking. Second comes diet and third exercise. Realistically attainable goals are key, the GP adds: "A daily half hour walk is sufficient; there is no need to directly hit the gym." So forget about that expensive gym membership or heart-pounding fitness class and go get your green outside today!
