NEW physical activity guidelines show what most Worcestershire residents can do to stay active and improve their chances of living more healthily, for longer.
The UK Chief Medical Officers recently published refreshed physical activity guidelines, showing evidence continues to build that regular movement – no matter how small – can have significant benefits for people’s physical and mental health.
The updated guidance reflects the latest scientific evidence on physical activity and sedentary behaviour, finding the existing recommended activity levels across all age groups to remain accurate.
Findings include a renewed emphasis on the health benefits of light-intensity activity, reducing prolonged periods of sitting, and including strength and balance exercises as part of everyday life. Those on GLP-1 agonist drugs to combat obesity need to maintain muscle strength.
The advice is for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week for adults, and 60 minutes per day of general activity for children and young people aged five to 18.
According to the most recent Active Lives Survey Data, 64.4 per cent of adults surveyed in Herefordshire, and 63.85 per cent Worcestershire are considered active, siting close to the national average of 64.6 per cent.
In Children and Young People, 48.83 per cent surveyed in Worcestershire are considered active, also sitting closely to the 49.1 per cent nationally.
The Chief Executive Officer from Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Stephen Brewster, alongside the Director of Public Health for Herefordshire, Zoe Clifford, and the Director of Public Health in Worcestershire, Professor Lisa McNally, have come together to welcome the refreshed guidelines.
They said: “Being active is good for your physical and mental health. These refreshed guidelines are a major driver in ensuring everyone involved in providing and supporting people to undertaking physical activities continue to be impactful and effective.
“We regularly join partners locally in initiatives such as National Walking Month to help people wherever they live to take regular exercise.
“We know that building regular movement into our lives can have significant benefits on both physical and mental health – including in reducing the risk of long-term conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers.
“We are committed to striving towards healthier minds and bodies for all across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and your local active partnership and public health teams are here to make this happen.”
The guidelines cover all stages of life, also older adults, disabled people and women during pregnancy and after birth.
The refreshed guidance also recognises that physical activity does not need to take place in long or structured sessions to have a positive impact.
Walking to the shops, wheeling, taking the stairs, dancing, gardening, active play and household tasks can all contribute towards improving health when carried out regularly.
