Long-term illnesses (ALD) are serious, chronic illnesses that require prolonged treatment. There are about thirty of them, the list of which has been established by decree, including diabetes type 1 and 2, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke or myopathies. These illnesses are 100% covered by health insurance.
Recently, MEPs voted for an amendment which should allow doctors to prescribe certain physical activities to their patients suffering from a long-term condition. The city of Strasbourg has been testing this “sport on prescription” since 2012. The town of Biarritz has just joined the movement with 22 specially trained general practitioners.
Many studies have already proven the benefits of sport for health. In terms of cancer, it makes it possible in particular to limit the risks of developing colon or breast cancer and it greatly reduces the risk of recurrence. More broadly, physical activity makes it possible to maintain a healthy weight and to limit or delay the appearance of numerous pathologies, in particular metabolic or cardiovascular diseases. Fighting overweight and obesity is also the main objective of the experiment conducted in Biarritz.
Patients are first given a pedometer to count the number of steps they take daily, as well as a questionnaire to complete. Then after a one-month assessment, they are oriented towards physical activities adapted to their form, their age and their pathology: walking, cycling, gymnastics…
Seven sports associations are participating in this operation and funding is provided by Biarritz Sport Santé, the Pasteur Mutualité Group and Chèque santé. The patient only pays €10 for a 12-week physical activity program.
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