Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica’s President, Laura Fernández, proposed that the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS)—Costa Rican Social Security System—explicitly include “sport” or “exercise” in medical prescriptions, with the goal of strengthening disease prevention and improving the population’s quality of life.
“I am very interested in the CCSS including sports as a prescription in the medical prescriptions they give to patients. Sports not only improve mental health, but also improve coronary heart disease and the degenerative diseases that are causing so much harm to our country,” the president stated.
At the moment, the mechanism to be used is unclear, since doctors currently always encourage patients to be active and exercise.
The proposal was announced during an official visit to the High-Performance Center (CAR) of Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, where Fernández learned about the sports training and development programs promoted by the soccer club.
Highlighting the systemic barriers to exercise, the President has pointed out that many Costa Ricans lack the time due to long commutes and heavy workloads. Consequently, she noted that to truly make this work, it may require workplace accommodations that allow employees time during the day to exercise.
The goal is to promote more active lifestyles and combat cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and various mental health disorders.
Several international studies have indicated that regular physical activity helps reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases, improve cardiovascular health, and alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety and depression.