Dr Clarisse Nirere discusses her efforts in promoting physical activity

In this partner Q&A, we speak to a GP of the Richmond Medical Group, Dr Clarise Nirere.

Dr Nirere has been a SPIN fellow with Richmond Council since October 2023. She shares why she is committed to promoting physical activity to improve the health of her patients.

What inspired you to get involved with promoting physical activity?

My passion for public health and the transformative power of physical activity inspired me to join the Richmond Moves campaign. Seeing the positive impact that increased physical activity can have on individuals, particularly those with long-term health conditions, older adults, and families with low income, has motivated me to contribute to this initiative.

How has the Active Practice status made a difference in your practice?

Earning the designation of an ‘Active Practice’ at Richmond Medical Group is a significant milestone in my work. This status recognises our efforts to reduce sedentary behaviour and increase physical activity among both staff and patients. It shows our commitment to promoting health and well-being through regular physical activity and being an integral part of an active community. Our involvement in parkrun, a free, weekly 5k event where participants can walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate, has been pivotal in achieving this status. By encouraging staff and patients to participate, we’ve built a sense of community and demonstrated the benefits of regular physical activity.

What difference has this made for your patients? 

One of our success stories involves a patient who, through participation in parkrun and our practice’s encouragement, has significantly improved their health and well-being. They reported feeling more energetic, less stressed, and more connected to the community. Such positive outcomes reinforce the importance of our initiatives and their impact on individuals’ lives.

What advice do you have for health professionals to promote physical activity as part of everyday consultations? 

Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in promoting physical activity by providing guidance, support, and resources to patients. 

Effective ways to encourage physical activity include:

• Discussing its benefits during consultations
• Recommending suitable activities
• Referring patients to community programs like Richmond Moves

The development of the Active Practice toolkit, designed to help other practices promote physical activity among their staff and patients, is a step towards creating a more active environment. By adopting the toolkit, practices can become Active Practices, contributing to a healthier, more active community.

Personally, I am motivated by the knowledge that physical activity can profoundly impact individuals’ health and quality of life. Seeing the positive changes in our patients and community members fuels my passion for advocating for public health and encouraging everyone to move more, every day, in their own way. 

My advice to other healthcare professionals is to lead by example, stay informed about the benefits of physical activity, and actively engage with your community. Utilise resources like the Active Practice toolkit and collaborate with local organisations to create supportive environments that make it easier for everyone to be active. Together, we can make a significant difference in public health by promoting regular physical activity. 

More information

Learn about what we are doing to help others move more and download the Active Practice toolkit for use in your healthcare setting.

Watch the video below to hear Richmond Councillor Piers Allen talk about parkruns in Richmond. 

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