IT Sligo’s School of Science has developed a partnership with Health Service Executive to evaluate a new innovative initiative called the Green Prescription programme, which encourages patients to incorporate physical activity in their lifestyle.
The Green Prescription Programme involves GPs giving written advice to clients to be physically active in the natural environmental as part of their health and quality of life management. It also involves supporting the community to develop healthy walks for the community and the clients who were referred from the GP.
The aim of the programme is to prevent and tackle overweight and obesity and to promote health through increased physical activity, reduced stress, increased self esteem and social wellbeing. The programme is been developed and piloted in County Donegal based on models from New Zeeland and the UK. It is funded through the National Obesity Taskforce.
Research Opportunity
Science lecturers Azura Youell and Máire Mc Callion are currently conducting research on the first pilot site in Donegal. The research will assess how best to develop the programme in the Irish context and how best to support clients to increase their physical activity levels. It will also investigate client’s responses to the programme including effects on their levels of physical activity, body weight and blood pressure.
A further 10 pilot sites are due to start in the new year and further research into the programme in the new pilot communities will be conducted by a Masters Student. This research will make recommendations as to whether or not the programme should continue and if so what the best of structure of the programme should be.
There is a research bursary available for this Masters research and applicants must apply by Friday 2nd of December. For more information click here.
Image Caption: Pictured at the launch of Green Prescription Programme in Colghan, Co. Donegal are Azura Youell (IT Sligo), Lynda Mc Guinness (HSE), Máire Mc Callion (IT Sligo), Dr. Nazih Eldin (HSE Lead on Obesity and Head of Health Promotion, Dublin North East ) AnnMarie Crosse (Eco Health Promotion Officer, HSE)