“Sicily introduces ‘Health Gyms’ to promote targeted physical exercise for chronic non-communicable pathologies”
A new initiative has been launched in Sicily to promote targeted physical exercise as a prevention and therapy tool for people suffering from chronic non-communicable pathologies (NCTs). The initiative, known as “Health Gyms”, has been approved as part of the finance law signed by M5S deputy Stefania Campo, and is aimed at reducing healthcare spending and enhancing the professional role of kinesiologists in the region.
“We believe a lot in sport as an aid in the prevention of many pathologies,” said Campo. “Doing sport causes healthcare spending to decrease, so a policy that promotes it and promotes the structures where it can be practiced is essential. Furthermore, this law also tends to enhance the professional figure of kinesiologists who operate in this sector and who must be recognized as soon as possible. The approval of this law is the first, important step in this direction.”
The law, approved by the Ars, provides that physical exercise, under the control of a kinesiologist of preventive and targeted physical activity, is carried out within suitable structures, public or private, recognized by the Region through a certification procedure. After the entry into force of the law, it will be up to the Region to establish the procedure and identify the requirements necessary to obtain the “Health Gym” certification, also providing a specific list.
The introduction of “Health Gyms” in Sicily is expected to have a positive impact on the health and well-being of residents, as well as reduce the burden on the healthcare system. The initiative has been welcomed as a proactive step towards promoting physical activity as a means of preventing and managing chronic non-communicable pathologies.