16 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com Patients often expect to receive a prescription for medicine when they visit their doctor, but some doctors are now taking an innovative approach and prescribing exercise. An exercise prescription goes beyond a brief “how can I become more active” discussion. The goal is to teach and support patients as they adopt lifelong healthy habits. Eddy Kicker recently experienced a minor back issue and received a prescription to the Physician Referred Exercise Program through Bon Secours St. Francis Health System. P.R.E.P. is a 60-day program based at St. Francis Physical Therapy, which is situated inside Sportsclub Greenville. Participants work with a physical therapist and a personal trainer and have access to all the gym’s equipment. The program costs $60 – essentially a dollar per day. Kicker had been walking regularly for the past four years, but P.R.E.P. gave him the confidence to do more. “The program helps you wherever you are in your fitness journey and not just to get in better shape. They also work with you on balance, strength, endurance and stretching,” Kicker said. EXERCISE: A PRESCRIPTION FOR WELL-BEING By Lisa Wack
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