Igualada is taking a lead in promoting health through physical exercise. Healthcare professionals in the municipality's primary care teams will be able to issue prescriptions for physical activity supervised by physical education professionals, tailored to each patient's condition. This measure goes beyond simple recommendation and includes a defined circuit for advice and follow-up.
The initiative, driven by the Generalitat de Catalunya and implemented locally by the services of the City Council of Igualada, the Consorci Sanitari de l'Anoia, and the Institut Català de la Salut, aligns with WHO objectives to improve population well-being through physical activity. The program aims for a less medicalized model, focusing on prevention and the promotion of healthy habits to combat diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, type 2 diabetes, or obesity, and to enhance mental health.
The program targets adults with insufficient physical activity and conditions like hypertension, diabetes, overweight, obesity, anxiety, or depression. Once the healthcare professional assesses suitability, a referral is issued to a municipal sports program. A sports physical educator will conduct an interview to tailor the offering, which includes group classes, aquatic activities, or healthy walks, preferably with two weekly sessions for six months, involving joint health and sports monitoring.
In Igualada, the City Council's Sports Department will have a dedicated contact person to manage requests and interview users to adapt the offerings to their needs. Municipal facilities such as civic centers or the Les Comes complex are planned for use. Currently, over 2,600 adults are already participating in physical activity with the council, reinforcing the municipality's commitment to promoting exercise as essential for health and quality of life.
