Santa Cruz Pioneers Exercise Prescription in Public Health

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is making a significant move to include physical exercise in its public health system, using it for both treatment and prevention. The Dácil Cabrera Flores Center in Añaza has been completely transformed, making it a key facility in the city's health strategy where physical activity can be prescribed by doctors.

This initiative, led by the Sports Department of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, has turned the former sports center into an Active Physical Exercise Unit (UAEF). Santa Cruz is now the first city on the island to implement a "physical exercise prescription" system. Patients registered at the Añaza Health Center can be referred to these facilities by their primary care doctors. Once there, sports and physical education professionals will create personalized training plans for them, free of charge.

Improvements at the Dácil Cabrera Flores Center include modernizing its equipment, relocating the reception area, and repairing the main corridor, all aimed at improving the user experience. Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez emphasized Santa Cruz's commitment to a health model that prioritizes prevention and highlights the fundamental role of physical activity. Sports Councilor Alicia Cebrián added that these actions fulfill the city's promise to provide neighborhoods with modern, safe, and accessible facilities, thereby improving the quality of life for residents.