Sir, The mostly negative reaction to the Government’s proposed social health contracts (letters, June 7, etc) does not alter the fact that a large proportion of the population is still overweight, unfit, eating poorly, drinking excessively and addicted to nicotine.

The solution, however, is not to force a meaningless and patronising “contract” upon them but, rather, to work with them on effective means of improving their health. At present, far too much of the NHS resources are directed at treating disease whilst prevention is largely ignored.

The proper provision of Departments of Exercise Medicine, utilising staff and skills already within the system (physiotherapists, nutritionists, occupational therapists, counsellors, etc), along with exercise teachers and specialists in exercise and health promotion, would permit formal referral of patients for programmes aimed actually at improving their health whilst treating their disease.

Conditions for which such intervention has proven significant include obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, asthma, diabetes, stress-related disorders and nicotine, alcohol and drug addiction.

By treating patients as adults and working with them to improve the situation, such departments would become a vital part of the health service and reduce costs of further treatment, medication and GP/consultant time.

Yours faithfully,
COLIN CROSBY
(Medical Director),
Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine,
The Garden Hospital,
46-50 Sunny Gardens Road,
London NW4 1RX.
June 9.

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