Make a healthy start to this new year (From Droitwich Advertiser)
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Make a healthy start to this new year
4:10pm Thursday 3rd January 2013 in Local
JANUARY is traditionally the time when people look back at the excesses of the festive period and decide they could do a bit better and pledge to see through a new year resolution.
As Dr Andy Carson, medical director for West Midlands Ambulance Service, says, although intentions are sound, keeping to them can be a bit more difficult.
He said: “Whatever your age, there's strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and even happier life. That’s why we’re encouraging our staff to join a new initiative within the trust called ‘Fit Club’.
“People who take part in regular activity have a lower risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and some cancers.
“There is overwhelming research now that shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s.
“For us, having healthy staff means happier staff who provide our patients with an even higher standard of care.”
Getting fit is one of the most popular resolutions, but by no means the only one. The other ideals being taken forward are eating more healthily, reducing alcohol intake and giving up smoking.
Dr Carson added: “Last year, millions of us watched with amazement the achievements of the athletes in the Olympics; it’s still inspiring people to make life changes that will deliver massive benefits in years to come.
“However, don’t feel you have to do it on your own. We all lead busy lives and getting a bit of advice or support is always helpful. Why not let the NHS become your ‘Fit Club’ partner?”
Advice and help in giving up smoking is available via nhs.uk/Livewell/smoking/Pages/Gethelp.aspx, for getting fir information, see nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/get-running-with-couch-to-5k.aspx and for eating more healthily and drinking sensibly, see nhs.uk/Change4Life/Pages/change-for-life.aspx.
