Each individual will be wearing a pedometer (which measures the
number of steps taken) over the coming week and we will be documenting
their progress each day under this section of the Move4Health website.
They are also receiving advice about different ways of including
activity by patron of Move4Health and leading activity and diet expert,
Joanna Hall. The aim for each individual will be to increase his or her
daily total by 5-10%.
The project is a joint initiative between Move4Health
and the National Obesity Forum to raise awareness of the importance of
building enjoyable activity into daily life so that it becomes
sustainable. The initiative will culminate in a Parliamentary reception on
the 1st April hosted by the National Obesity Forum and
introducing Move4Health.
Move4Health, which is backed by the UK’s leading
exercise and health scientists, is
primarily an expert campaigning organisation working towards making the
physical, cultural, political and social environment more conducive for
people being active. Move4Health’s director, Felicity Porritt,
said:
‘We’ve
become used to taking the easy option of the car or the lift and have
forgotten that using our legs instead not only improves our health, but
makes us feel better. Of course we all have the right to choose whether or
not we want to be more physically active. But Government has a
responsibility to help us make that choice by ensuring our streets and
parks are safe and enjoyable places in which to walk.’
Three quarters of adults aren’t physically active
enough to protect them from illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes,
some cancers and osteoporosis. The Chief Medical Officer is due to publish
his first ever report into physical activity and health at the end of this
month (April).
- Under 5,000 steps/day is classed as being ‘sedentary’
- 5,000-7,499 steps/day is typical of daily activity excluding
sports/exercise and is classed as being ‘low active’
- 7,500-9,999 steps/day is likely to include some exercise or walking
(and/or a job that requires more walking) and is classed as ‘somewhat
active’
- 10,000 steps/day is the point that should be used to classify
individuals as ‘active’
- 12,500 steps/day+ is classed as ‘highly active’
Source: Wendy Bumgardner
Further support and information
|
|
 |
