Public health

Getting our patients to be more active

• Inactivity is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and poor mental health. We need to focus on motivating inactive patients to get moving. Parkrun has been an effective way to promote activity, with the community aspect and social connections made being particularly valued by slower runners and walkers.

WiseGP actions:

1. The RCGP set up the parkrun practice initiative to link GP surgeries with their local parkrun. Why not consider signing up your practice if you’re not already involved?

2. Invite your staff to join you in travelling to work by walking or cycling for a week and share your activity on your practice social media accounts to set an example to your community, improve the wellbeing of your practice staff and help the environment.

Read more about the evidence informing these suggestions here:

https://bjgp.org/content/72/722/414