Ross Memorial Hospital - Kawartha Lakes
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Exercise is Medicine program showing healthy results

Laurie Bain was at a crossroad. She knew she needed to be more active. Her blood pressure was going up and her cholesterol was ‘borderline’. She worried about her heart and her weight.

“I just wanted to feel healthier,” Laurie says. “As a Personal Support Worker, I know I need to be fit to do my job and avoid injury. I’ve exercised on and off, but with my work schedule, it’s hard.”

Laurie and her doctor discussed the Exercise is Medicine program. She was written a prescription to exercise in the spring, giving her a one-month free membership at the Lindsay Recreation Complex and two personal training sessions.

“Working with a trainer has been helpful,” Laurie says. “I’ve been learning how to alternate between using weights and then doing cardio. I use the medicine ball and hand weights, and the trainer gave me ideas for exercise at home, too.” Laurie has also started doing yoga.

Laurie is one of over 50 local patients who have filled a prescription for exercise through the new Exercise is Medicine program, which promotes the vision that physical activity functions like a medicine, in that it prevents and treats chronic disease.

Like many who filled their prescriptions, Laurie has chosen to buy a gym membership so she can keep working toward her health goals. Laurie says she feels better, both physically and mentally.

Dr. Ruth Wilson is one of many local physicians championing the program among patients whose sedentary habits are impacting their health. “The Exercise is Medicine program helps people to start moving. It helps them get motivated and come up with a plan. The patients I’ve referred who have gone to the gym and worked with the trainer have found it helpful and enjoyable. I think it’s an excellent initiative.”

Physicians and Nurse Practitioners throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes are encouraged to consider the Exercise is Medicine program for appropriate patients. The EIM prescription entitles a suitable patient to a free one-month membership at the Lindsay Recreation Centre or Forbert Memorial Workout Centre in Bobcaygeon.

Many people aren’t sure what exercises to do, how to do them safely and for how long, so the prescription comes with two personal training sessions as well. During the sessions, the trainer will develop a personalized plan for the patient, tailored to meet his or her ability and interests, and familiarize the patient with the facility and its equipment.

“The patients that have come through the EIM program have been open to improving their health and have made positive changes,” said David Krawczyk, CKL Fitness and Membership Coordinator. “We’re happy to help show people the true, positive effects of exercise on their health, and motivate them to stay active.”

When the month is over, the trainer will highlight the patient’s next steps to stay active, either at the facility, or through activities in the community.

The Exercise is Medicine program is supported by the Ross Memorial Hospital, the City of Kawartha Lakes municipality, the City of Kawartha Lakes and Kawartha North Family Health Teams, and Community Care CKL.

The goal of the program is to increase the physical activity level of local residents by linking them with existing resources in the community, thereby decreasing the risk of chronic diseases.   

Exercise is Medicine in CKL