Extend your life - with just a little change in habits

Aug 15 2008

By Lynsey Miles

DID you know the borough of Nuneaton and Bedworth has the lowest life expectancy within Warwickshire? And did you know that we are also dramatically below the national average? And do you know why? Because we all eat too much and exercise too little. Obesity has been the word on most health professionals' lips for the past few years. The epidemic has been rising so much that not only does it shorten lives but is also draining the NHS. Now I understand that there are many barriers to healthy lifestyles, such as work, time, family, money but what you have to ask yourself is are these barriers worth dying for? Obesity is a precursor to illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and coronary heart disease, which means if you are at an unhealthy weight and/or your total body fat is too high you are risking your own life by not doing something about it. I dont mean to scare any of you but obesity is a real issue with real consequences and if we dont help ourselves now it may just be too late. Here are some common barriers that people face, all can be overcome and many activities are recommended. Time - implement activities into your daily lifestyle, clean your house with more energy, make a conscious effort to walk up and down the stairs. Family - take them with you for activities like swimming, walking, biking, playing at the park, team games. Money - not all activities cost money. For example, walking is free. Transport - it may be difficult to get to and from exercise sessions. Use your travel time as your exercise. Walk or bike to work, school, college. Housework and gardening burn loads of energy. Work - use your lunch hours wisely. Move away from your desk and do something physical, it will also help you work better during the afternoon. It could be swimming, an exercise class, walking or the gym. Instead of e-mailing or calling people in the office next to you, walk to see them and always use the stairs. Age - no excuse, it doesnt matter how old you are, you can still be fit and healthy. Try walking, swimming, mobility classes, aqua sessions, gardening, housework. So with no excuses left its up to you to make the change. For more help or guidance on making a lifestyle change, contact me at miles.healthier@hotmail.co.uk.