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Let’s get physical this autumn!
The Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) is encouraging everyone to get physical this autumn by running television advertising which will hopefully put a spring in everyone’s step.
With physical inactivity levels currently sitting at 25% here and recent research showing that 62% of men and 61% of women in Northern Ireland are either overweight or obese, the HPA is promoting the importance of putting a bit more effort into all our daily activities so the extra effort will benefit our health.
Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the HPA, said: “The advertising is running at a very opportune time. People tend to think when it comes to the end of the summer they can’t do various activities but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Just putting a bit more effort into our daily routine can bring major health benefits. For instance, brisk walking, gardening, and housework can all be vigorous activities. Other ways of being active could include opting to leave the car and walking or cycling to work or getting off the bus or train one stop earlier – simply taking the stairs rather than the lift is another.”
The advertising highlights that physical activity is for everyone - we don’t have to be the sporty type or become gym fanatics doing vigorous workouts as research shows it is more beneficial to do just 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week. Being active reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis and certain cancers. It can also help control bodyweight and is an investment for an independent, healthy future.
Dr Gaffney continued: “The HPA has been enthusiastically helping people of all ages in Northern Ireland to be more active with the Community Grants Scheme. This scheme has been running since 1999 and to date has helped over 14,000 participants become more physically active. Research carried out on the success of the scheme suggests that the initiative is a major trigger for motivating communities around the issue of physical activity. We know that being active is good for both body and mind and this scheme focuses attention on activities that can be incorporated into people’s daily lives.”
The advertising is running to coincide with the DHSSPS three month consultation exercise on the new Physical Activity Strategy and Action Plan for Northern Ireland. The overall aim of which is to promote the benefits of regular physical activity and to encourage everyone in Northern Ireland to participate in daily activity, especially those who are inactive. The consultation period is taking place from July – September 2004.
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