The Edmonton and area Primary Care Networks (PCNs) have partnered with local municipal recreation facilities in a unique venture where local family physicians and their health care teams prescribe physical activity to patients who would benefit from increased activity.

Edmonton and area PCN family physicians are now prescribing physical activity to assist patients with reducing their risks through the Prescription To Get Active program. The target population is anyone who needs to be more active and who can exercise without specific supervision or medical restrictions. This includes children, youth, adults and seniors.  Patients are encouraged to contact the recreation facility directly for more information surrounding guidelines for specific age groups.  

Basic physical activity guidelines:

Just 150 minutes of activity a week for adults can reduce risk and improve your health regardless of weight loss. The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines provide advice on the required amount of activity is recommended for health benefits. Please see the links for each specific group:

Physical Activity Guidelines 0-4 years old
Physical Activity Guidelines 5-17 years old
Physical Activity Guidelines 18-64 years old
Physical Activity Guidelines 65 years and older
Physical Activity Guidelines for Pregnancy
Physical Activity Guidelines for Multiple Sclerosis

 
Those who are active live longer, healthier lives. The benefits of regular physical activity include:

• better mental health
• better sleep
• more energy
• relief in symptoms from health conditions
• healthier weight
• build and keep strong muscles
• better able to resist illness
• reduced risk of falls
• longer life

People who are inactive have a higher chance of developing these health concerns:

• anxiety
• depression
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• some cancers
• obesity
• kidney problems
• osteoporosis (brittle bones)

Watch this video to learn more!

Which County facilities are taking part in this initiative and what services will be provided to the participant:

Ardrossan Recreation Complex, Millennium Place, Glen Allan Recreation Complex, Emerald Hills Leisure Centre and the Strathcona Wilderness Centre.

Prescription to Get Active participants will receive up to five free single visit passes as well as an optional wellness area tour and orientation to get started.

Where do you go with your prescription?

PTGA participants can go to any of our participating facilities and ask to speak to the facility representative in that building to get them started, or they can call the facility representatives directly before coming in to arrange a specific time for their initial visit.
Millennium Place
Ardrossan Recreation Complex
Glen Allan Recreation Complex
Emerald Hills Leisure Centre
Strathcona Wilderness Centre