Prescription culture is trivial.

Physical activity under prescription (FaR) means that patients are offered conversations about current and past physical activity, and a written prescription for exercise that is adapted to their circumstances and interests. Bottom line: exercise plus a healthy diet? A body that feels good. Pull on the rollers!

Do we really need prescriptions for movement and suggestions on how to make adults understand that they can’t just lie on the couch 24/7 if they want to feel good? Hardly. Surely every gifted person is aware of how closely the physical activity-health equation is interconnected. And that’s without the credentials of a healthcare system that is already overburdened writing it down on a piece of paper.

Unfortunately, the desire to write ridiculous prescriptions does not stop at sports. Now they have managed to come up with something even more ridiculous! Moreover, something that is becoming increasingly common. Culture on prescription! The concept is that people suffering from mental illness, or at risk of developing it, should be offered cultural activities at taxpayer expense.

In the Norrbotten area, they tested a concept that had been developed by a former patient doctor in Boden. The recipe involved a number of participants meeting two days a week and experiencing arts, crafts and dance under the supervision of trained cultural teachers. They also went to several exhibitions (Läkartidningen 12/7). A success according to the doctor, who has now recommended this to many of his patients.

The problem with prescriptions for visiting or touring museums is that the point of prescriptions is that they are (as a general rule) for products that must be prescribed by licensed health care professionals for people to receive, and that those health care professionals, because of the risks of potential side effects, also have a responsibility for follow-up, further treatment, and possible discontinuation. Of course, health care professionals should be able to offer good advice on everything from exercise to eating habits to experiences that can enhance quality of life when appropriate. But to conflate prescriptions with claims for additional public resources is just nonsense.

By the way, what happens if cultural experiences turn negative? If there are conflicts within the group that will experience the dance together? And who bears that responsibility? Anne Britt who teaches the folk dance course or the doctor at the health center?

Needless to say, it benefits the body to move. To break thought patterns when you feel down too. But care should primarily focus on the medical aspects and leave sports and recreation to the individual.