Queenstown Road Medical Practice

Exercise

Everyone can benefit from regular exercise, whatever age or physical condition. Increasing your activity levels will not only improve your general fitness and wellbeing but can also improve the management of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. All adults should aim to exercise for 30 minutes at least five times per week, the intensity of which depends on age, health and mobility. Please ask the doctor or practice nurse for details on how to exercise safely.

Patients with diabetes and heart disease may be referred to special clinics designed to help patients maintain lifestyle changes which involve gradual increase in activity levels. This service provides on going support and patients may be referred to other community activities such as walking groups or supervised exercise classes. At the clinics patients do NOT take part in any physical activity but have the opportunity to discuss any concerns they have regarding initiating or increasing their level of physical activity, to work through any barriers they may have towards becoming more active, or to learn more about the benefits of being active (ie. what is discussed at the clinic regarding physical activity is based on the patient's agenda). Should patients be interested in attending a group exercise session. Walking is also promoted within the clinics which is an excellent form of physical activity which most people are able to do as it is free, can be easily fitted into one's lifestyle and does not require and equipment. Patients are also able to loan equipment to monitor their level of activity (ie, pedometers which are also an excellent motivational tool). Exercise programmes, for example, a walking programme or a home-based exercise programme for those who do not wish to attend a formal exercise session are also available. Most patients are seen 2-3 times over a period of several months as it is important that support is given to those changing their behaviour, in the same way that a smoker referred to a smoking cessation clinic would receive support.

Diet Advice

Obesity and poor diet can lead to chronic conditions. You must be referred by a doctor or practice nurse to the community dietician if you have diabetes, heart disease, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome or weight problems. The community dietician is based at Wandsworth PCT and visits the practice twice per month.

For more information on a balanced and nutritious diet, click here.