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New campaign to tackle poor physical activity levels among women
The Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) today launched a major new physical activity campaign, Every small step is a forward step, in response to the increasingly inactive lifestyles of younger women in Northern Ireland.
Research shows that almost two thirds of 25-44 year old women in Northern Ireland are not taking the recommended levels of physical activity and over 40% are either overweight or obese.1
Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the HPA, said: “The Every small step campaign targets women aged between 25 and 44, particularly those with young children, in order to raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity and to dispel the idea that it takes excessive amounts of time and energy. Many women in this age group have said that they don’t engage in regular physical activity because they are either too busy, too tired or have too many family obligations.
“However just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day on five or more days of the week can substantially reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also helps to control weight, contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. You don’t have to spend hours at the gym, it can be incorporated into your daily routine and doesn’t need to be done all at once – three 10 minute sessions or two 15 minute session are just as good.”
The Every small step campaign will run throughout March and includes television advertising, a magazine, leaflet, poster and website (www.getalifegetactive.com).
Details of the 2006 Get Active in the Community Cash Grants Awards were also announced at the launch. The awards enable community groups to apply for cash grants up to the value of £500 to support projects to introduce physical activity opportunities in their communities. The scheme is now in its eighth year and has so far enabled over 900 groups to improve health in their local communities through physical activity.
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Notes
to the Editor:
The television advertisement, Every small step will run from 28 February to 26 March 2006. Click here to view the advertisement.
Over 155,000 copies of New You magazine will be distributed through GP and dental surgeries, hairdressers and as a newspaper insert.
One thousand free step counters are available through the magazine or website.
The website: www.getalifegetactive.com will be live from 28 February 2006.
Application forms for the Get Active in the Community Cash Grant Awards Scheme are available by contacting the HPA – Tel: 028 9031 1611 or click here to download the form.
The closing date for the return of applications is Monday 20 March 2006.
For further information contact:
Rosie McGaughey or Jenny Dougan at the HPA – Tel: 028 9031 1611 or 028 9031 1514.
1 Health and Social Wellbeing Surveys (1997 & 2001). |
