Most doctors recommend a regular exercise routine to fulfil a healthy lifestyle, and the onus is typically left on patients to determine how much they perform.
But doctors in Quebec are taking matters a step further and writing prescriptions for exercise. It is a new initiative meant to curb Canada's obesity epidemic and help patients reduce their blood pressure, cholesterol and risk of heart attack.
Exercise is prescribed in "cubes," a measurement representing 15 minutes of continuous activity. The average dose is two cubes per day –- or half an hour –- for five days a week.
"It’s as powerful as some of the pills we give, and less side effects," Dr. Mark Roper, a family doctor in Quebec, told CTV Montreal.
Patients can choose their desired form of physical activity, such as cycling, kayaking or walking. All age groups are subject to the new prescriptions, which are specifically designed to match a patient’s health and fitness levels.
In some cases, the exercise prescriptions can eventually remove the need for traditional pharmaceuticals.
"We actually take them off medications because they’ve come down 20 lbs. (and) they don’t need their blood pressure pills," Dr. Roper said.
British Columbia has also taken a creative approach to encouraging fitness with a new smartphone app called "Carrot Rewards," which gives users points for healthy activities, such as joining a fitness club or spending an extra $15 on fresh produce.
With files from CTV Montreal
