Residents of this rural BC community get a prescription for exercise at a recreation center

Ian Walters got a prescription from his paramedic nurse last summer, but instead of taking the pill, he got a pass to the Similkameen Recreation Center in Keremeos, B.C., to use the gym and participate in programming.

Walters goes to the recreation center three days a week and goes to the gym, participates in group classes and goes swimming in the summer.

The initiative is part of a pilot program in the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen aimed at helping people manage health issues through physical activity and socialization.

Walters has a tumor in his head that affects his ability to speak and hear. His mobility is also limited. Walters said his health has improved significantly since being prescribed the drug.

“Before I started the program, I mean, you see how slow I am on the walker, but before I was worse, and now everyone says, ‘Oh Ian, you’re walking much better.’

He says the prescription has improved his physical health, and has also helped him get through a bad period in his life.

“I lost my wife last year, so it’s really good for me to get out,” he said. “I’m going to be forced to get out of the house and do something.”

Andy Foster, recreation manager for the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, said about 20 residents have filled their prescriptions so far.

“The program … is supplying prescriptions to health care providers so they can give them to clients and allow them to refill and recover sooner and faster,” he said.

Foster said the program isn’t costing the regional district much, just a little extra staff time, and some wear and tear on equipment. The district hopes to expand this program in the future.

Area G director Tim Roberts said the benefits far outweigh the costs.

“I think it’s fantastic, I’m also a full-time paramedic and one of the biggest things we see is support for people who face persistent problems around isolation, limited mobility, and it provides access to resources, fitness and support that they might not be able to get on their own,” Roberts said.

The program comes amid health care challenges in the region.

Interior Health recently announced that the South Similkameen Health Center will reduce services from six days a week to three days.

Foster said that given the challenges, paramedic nurses have been essential in enrolling participants.

Victoria Whiteford, a researcher at the University of British Columbia, told CBC News she was not surprised to hear about the results of the program in Similkameen. She says she started a similar program for research involving depressed women.

Helping overcome barriers to exercise is key to any instructional recreation program, he told CBC News.

“For example, for someone with depression, they may have barriers like low mood and fatigue, and so it may be more difficult for them to participate in an exercise session,” she said.

As for Walters, she says she’s grateful for the support she’s received so far and hopes the program will continue so others can fill their prescription for better health.