Looking for a Natural Alternative to Medication? Biking May be the Answer to a Drug-Free Prescription
October 14 2019 – Rudy Marquez
Recent Initiatives
Doctors and patients all over the world are searching for a natural alternative to drugs. Exercise has long been known to have many curative effects, and a new program in Wales is putting that theory to the test. Their hope is to significantly reduce medical costs, while also avoiding dangerous side effects.
For the program, Doctors in the Welsh capital of Cardiff plan to give participants a six month membership to a bike rental service. Patients will have unlimited access to the bikes for 30 minute intervals. If they're successful, they hope to expand the program to other cities.
This initiative is similarly modeled after Boston's "Prescribe-A-Bike" (2014). It combines both healthcare and community welfare by allowing doctors to "prescribe" bikes to low-income patients in an effort to improve health and accessibility of services. They received an annual bike membership for only $5 a year.
The American College of Sports Medicine's "Exercise is Medicine" initiative encourages physicians to include evidence-based physical activity as a part of their treatment plans. This will help reduce some of the side-effects that come with certain drug treatments- including dependence. United States drug overdose deaths have tripled since 1990, which highlights the scope and urgency of the addiction crisis in America.
Proven Results
Regular exercise has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, strengthen muscles and bones, and can even help ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. Healthcare professionals all over the world are implementing evidence-based physical activity in their treatment plans, and the health benefits speak for themselves.
Start Biking Today
Living a more active life is a long-term process that takes hard work and dedication. It's much more difficult than taking medication- but it may benefit you in the long run. Biking is an excellent way to get fit, reduce health risks, and feel better. Talk to your doctor today to see how biking can become a part of your treatment plan.
