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Ian Walters received a prescription from a community paramedic this past summer, but instead of receiving a pill, he got a pass to the Similkameen Recreation Centre in Keremeos, B.C., to use the gym and take part in programming.
Three days a week Walters makes his way to the rec centre and goes to the gym, takes part in group classes, and swimming in the summer.
The initiative is part of a pilot program by the Regional District of the Okanagan-Similkameen that aims to help people manage health issues through physical activity and socialization.
Walters has a tumour in his head which affects his speech and hearing. His mobility is also limited. Walters said his health has improved a lot since he was given the prescription.
“Before I started the program, I mean, you see how slow I am on the walker, but before I was worse, and now everyone says, ‘Oh Ian, you're getting so much better walking.”’
He says the prescription has improved his physical health, and has also helped him through a dark period of his life.
“I lost my wife last year, so it is really good for me to get out," he said. "I have to be forced to get out of the house and do something."
Andy Foster, recreation manager with the Regional District of the Okanagan-Similkameen, said about 20 residents have filled their prescriptions so far.
“The program ... is supplying prescriptions to health-care practitioners so they can give them out to customers allowing them to recreate and heal quicker and faster,” he said.
Foster said the program doesn’t cost the regional district much, just a little extra staff time, and some wear and tear on equipment. The district hopes to extend the program into the future.
Area G director Tim Roberts said the benefits have far outweighed the costs.
“I think it is fabulous, I am also a full-time paramedic and one of the greatest things that we see is the help that it has for people who have frequent issues around isolation, around limited mobility, and this provides an access for resources, and fitness and support that they may not be able to get on their own,” Roberts said.
The program comes amid health-care challenges in the region.
Interior Health recently announced that the South Similkameen Health Centre would be scaling back services from six days a week to three.
Foster said given the challenges, paramedical nurses have been essential in getting participants enrolled.
Victoria Whiteford, a researcher at the University of British Columbia, told CBC News she’s not surprised to hear about the results of the program in the Similkameen. She says she initiated a similar program for research involving women with depression.
She told CBC News that support to help overcome barriers to exercise is key to any prescriptive recreation program.
“For someone with depression, for example, they may have barriers around low mood and fatigue, and so it might make it more difficult for them to attend exercise sessions,” she said.
As for Walters, he says he is grateful for the support he has received so far and hopes the program continues so that other people can fill their prescription for better health.