FEELING a little under the weather? One of the latest treatments to be administered by GPs is a good old parkrun!
Sully Surgery became the 100th GP practice in Wales to sign-up for the Royal College of GP’s ‘parkrun Practice’ programme.
‘Parkrun Practice’ aims to raise awareness of parkrun amongst GPs and practice staff, encouraging them to take part in parkrun and signpost patients and carers to their local parkrun events.
The initiative is part of a wider social prescribing programme to support the health and well-being of local communities which will see parkrun prescribed to patients to improve their health.
Chief medical officer for Wales, Sir Frank Atherton, recently joined fellow runners, joggers and walkers at Cosmeston Lakes parkrun to celebrate.
Parkrun is a UK-based global health and well-being charity which began in 2004.
The popularity of the event has grown exponentially and now there are runs at over 2,200 weekly community events across the world every Saturday.
It now has 8million registered participants globally and is considered an important public health initiative recognised by the World Health Organisation.
At the events, people of all ages come together to walk, jog, run and volunteer.
Sir Frank said it's great to see initiatives like this.
"It is fantastic that we have reached the milestone of 100 parkrun practices in Wales," said Sir Frank.
"I am delighted that Sully Surgery has teamed up with Cosmeston Lakes parkrun and demonstrated its commitment to improving the health of both staff and patients.
"It's great to see the partnership between parkrun, the Royal College of GP’s and the NHS going from strength to strength in Wales."
Dr Calum Forrester-Paton, GP partner at Sully Surgery, said he was delighted his surgery was involved.
Dr Forrester said: “I really want to encourage physical activity among my colleagues and patients, but more importantly we want to be part of the local community too.
"Learning that parkrun was as much about community, a chance for people to get outside, get together, chat and encourage each other, was a real eye opener for me.
"We are so pleased to be the 100th parkrun Practice in Wales, and we will continue to support each other to be more active whatever one’s physical challenges may be.”
Lyn Evans, event director for Cosmeston Lakes parkrun, added: "We’re looking forward to working with the practice team to provide opportunities for staff and patients to enjoy the exercise and health benefits of Saturday mornings with us.”
Are you interested in getting involved in Parkrun? Visit the Cosmeston Lake Parkrun Facebook page here to find out how to join in with running or volunteering.
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