The Recreation Rx Spring Valley Pilot Program - a collaboration between the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation, the Network for a Healthy California, Grossmont Spring Valley Family Health Center, and the San Diego County Commission on Children Youth and Families - helps connect local clinics with their local parks and recreation programs and facilities. The hope is that by eliminating barriers to healthy lifestyles such as cost or distance by using the parks and recreation resources, patients will reach their fitness and health goals for the rest of their lives. There are many benefits for all involved, the clinics, the recreation centers and especially the patients.

THE CLINICS. Physicians prescribe an activity to their patients as a way to promote physical activity. Youth should be participating in at least 60 minutes of physical activity everyday and adults should receive at least 30 minutes. The program also encourages physicians to learn more about their patients and about the community in which the patient lives.

THE RECREATION CENTERS. Recreation centers provide free and/or low-cost activities for patients ages 5-17 given a Recreation Rx. The prescription is a pass that allows patients to participate in fun physical activities. With the prescription, fee-based activities with the "Recreate" logo will be available for a co-payment of only $5.00. Free activities are also offered everyday of the week. By offering more opportunities for them to increase their physical activity, patients are more likely to visit the parks and recreation facilities more often because they are now aware of the resources available.

THE PATIENTS. This program benefits the patient in many ways; increasing physical activity can be a real lifesaver: it can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Physical activity helps keep and maintain a healthy body weight and helps children focus better at school. Also, the patient will develop a better relationship with their physician and learn more about their community parks and recreation department facilities which enables them to feel more connected to their surroundings.