Health professionals at Frome Medical Practice are inviting everyone in Frome to join the Couch to 5K course on the 21st January.
The initiative is being led by the surgery’s mental wellbeing practitioner, Tracy Glen-Travers, together with Dr Rebecca Hall and Jo Fordham of Health Connections Mendip, who are both keen runners.
“The Couch to 5K course is targeting people who may have mild anxiety or depression,” says Tracy. “There have been some real positive changes in attitudes over recent years regarding physical health. What the Couch to 5K course aims to do is to combine the mental as well as the physical benefits that come with exercising.”
The Couch to 5K course is targeted at absolute beginners. It is likely that participants in the course have been leading a largely sedentary lifestyle and it may have been several years since they have even broken into a trot.
“The aim is to start off walking before moving on to walking quickly and gentle running,” adds Tracy. “Eventually, after 9 weeks, we hope participants are able to complete a 5 kilometre run. Not only is the course going to contribute to healthier lungs and heart as well as weight loss, but it will also help build stamina as well as confidence and self-belief. Being able to run has also been shown to be a great stress reliever and has helped combat depression.”
The initiative comes with the full backing of the GPs at the practice. The senior partner there is Dr Helen Kingston who says, “Health in 2019 is about a lot more than going to see your GP. I would urge anyone to consider how Couch to 5K can help their general health and wellbeing. The course is absolutely free as part of our commitment to support the community.”
For more details on how to sign up for the course ready for the 21st January, participants should call Health Connections Mendip: 01373 468368 or email: mendip.healthconnec tions@nhs.net
