 |
|
|
 |
18 Mar 2023
Swim England partners with Royal College of GP’s to promote swimming as medicine
BY
Tom Walker
|
Regular swimming has been proven to help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes
photo: Shutterstock/CroMary
Healthcare professionals should consider recommending swimming and aquatic activities to their patients, as they can sometimes be ‘far more powerful’ compared to other healthcare interventions. That is the message of a new campaign launched by Swim England and Royal College of GPs, which promotes the "transformative power" of being active in water.
The new ‘Swimming as Medicine’ initiative includes a series of videos highlighting the benefits of swimming.
The initial video features Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, a GP in Leamington Spa and RCGP Lifestyle and Physical Activity Clinical Champion.
He shares his thoughts and offers suggestions to other healthcare professionals on having physical activity conversations around swimming with their patients.
“At the Royal College of GPs, we appreciate just how important physical activity is for a healthy and happy life," Al-Zubaidi said.
"Swimming has several unique qualities which mean it is a fantastic option.
“My recommendation for any healthcare professional interested in signposting more patients is to get into the water themselves. Experience the benefits first hand so you can communicate this credibly.”
Regular swimming has been proven to help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It is also beneficial for those with arthritis, obesity, and joint pain, as the buoyancy of water reduces the impact on joints.
However, despite the clear benefits of swimming to individuals and communities, it is an option that can be overlooked within healthcare circles.
Andrew Power, Swim England water wellbeing specialist, said: “Our Value of Swimming report highlighted that more than 14 million people in England swim at some point each year, making it one of the nations’ most popular forms of activity.
“Yet in conversations with patients, some healthcare professionals might find it easier to suggest walking and other activities with fewer perceived benefits to encourage the least active to be active.
“In some senses, that could be the right course of action to follow and might work for some. However, we know from our own research that one in three people with a long-term health condition or impairment would prefer to swim if given the choice.
“We also know that both people and professionals feel that water has a unique ability to support those who may be hesitant to engage in other forms of physical activity, either due to lack of fitness, chronic pain, lack of balance, poor mobility or other barriers.
“This is why we wanted to further emphasise the individual benefits through the launch of this series.”
To watch the first video of the Swimming as Medicine video,click here.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Connect with
World Leisure |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| News headlines |
|
|
 |
 |
|
30 Mar 2023
Physical activity should be a “mainstay approach” for doctors treating patients with depression, anxiety and psychological distress. This is the
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
30 Mar 2023
Visitors to Shakespeare’s New Place in Stratford-upon-Avon, UK, are able to view three priceless artefacts together for the first time. To
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
30 Mar 2023
World Active has finalised its charter, which it plans to adopt at its first-ever general assembly held during the FIBO Global Fitness in Cologne in
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
30 Mar 2023
Disney has revealed a new animatronic robot, designed to have an “emotional connection” with people. Revealed at SXSW Media Festival earlier this
.... more>> |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| Company profile |
|
|
| Catalogue gallery |
|
|
| Featured Supplier |
|
 |
|
|
|
in this issue
• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| World Leisure jobs |
 |
Swim Teacher
Salary: Competitive
Location: Moulton, Northampton, UK
Company: Everyone Active
|
|
Receptionist
Salary: Competitive
Location: Warwick, UK
Company: Everyone Active
|
|
Membership Consultant
Salary: Competitive salary plus benefits
Location: Warwick, UK
Company: Everyone Active
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Diary dates |
|
| Powered
by leisurediary.com |
 |
|
31 Mar - 02 Apr 2023
BEAUTY Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre,
Düsseldorf,
Germany
|
|
|
|
|
