Speaking in the National Assembly for Wales, Labour Assembly Member for Pembrokeshire JOYCE WATSON AM praised local efforts to tackle obesity and called for more education for children about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Questioning the Minister for Health and Social Services Edwina Hart, Joyce praised the Exercise on Prescription exercise referral scheme that is being trialled in Pembrokeshire.
The initiative will be launched in Pembrokeshire shortly. The scheme will be run by Pembrokeshire Council in partnership with local health boards and health professionals including GPs, dieticians and psychotherapists, who can recommend patients take up exercise where appropriate. New Exercise Referral Instructors at each of Pembrokeshire’s six leisure centres will implement the scheme and design individualised exercise programmes for patients. The pilot scheme is due to last three years and its effectiveness will be monitored.
Speaking after the debate, JOYCE WATSON AM said:
“Many of us struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle, so I hope this new scheme will encourage many people to find suitable exercise, and I will be following its progress closely.
“The benefits of exercise are well known, yet it is often easier not to make time for it. Exercise doesn’t have to be painful or difficult - just a short walk in our beautiful countryside or along our coast can raise the spirits tremendously.
“We all have a part to play in our well-being, and in setting an example to the next generation. Along with projects such as the longstanding Pembrokeshire Healthy Schools Scheme this could help our children tackle the growing problem of obesity.”
25th February 2008
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