Quebec doctors can now prescribe exercise

Quebecers in need of physical activity could soon be leaving their doctors with a script for exercise rather than for a prescription drug.

The province's 8,800 general practitioners are all gettingnew prescription pads to give patients direct instructionson how much physical activity they should be doing.

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The program is an initiative of the Quebec Federation of General Practitioners and the Grand Dfi Pierre Lavoiea non-profitorganization set up by Lavoie, a nine-time KonaIronman finisher from Saguenay, to encourage Quebecyouthto adopt healthy lifestyles.

The prescription pads allow doctors to instructpatients on how much exercise they should be doing, breaking their daily doseinto 15 minute "exercise cubes." A similar system is already used in many Quebec schools.

The type of activity can be tailored to eachpatient's needs and abilities: for some, it may be swimming or running. For others,it could be as simple as walking or gardening.

"Doctors are showing that they take this seriously," said Martin Juneau, director of prevention at the Montreal Heart Institute.

"It's not just advice. This way, it's a medical prescription."

Quebec's health ministry and researchers plan to followthe program for three years to evaluate how well it works.