There is a new community in the Netherlands called Dokter & Bewegen (doctor and exercise), which wants to offer a platform to practitioners who want to integrate exercise as lifestyle intervention in their (GP) practice.
Their goal is to expand and share knowledge. They want to pursue one vision that the issuing of medication or other health care tools is not always the first or only option. At the same time, the reduction of health care consumption will be looked at.
The Dokter & Bewegen network: “Unfortunately, it is still not common for many people to integrate exercise in their daily life but exercise ensures that your condition is maintained, it ensures that you train your cardiovascular system, make your muscles stronger and has a positive influence on your weight and keep your brain in shape.
In order to allow the necessary social transition to take place, from illness and health care use to healthy behaviour, it is necessary to work together and use each of our talents from our own fields to promote a healthier lifestyle. By working with authorities, the vision on exercise will be more widely spread. Not only towards patients but also towards other physicians and stakeholders. They have the ambassador’s role where they proclaim that exercise should be a norm.”
In the light of the current strain on medical staff and lack of caregivers in the Netherlands, this could have a positive effect on this issue too. Besides, health care costs could be reduced at the same time.
There will be a seminar in the autumn of 2018 where experts will speak on the matter.
You can read more or find the update on the event here. (in Dutch)
For Eindhoven News: Irene Martens
An interesting article Irene!