Make small changes to ‘add years to your life’ urges government
pharmafile | April 26, 2006 | News story | |
Everyday, simple choices could be the key to a healthier lifestyle according to new government-backed research published by Cambridge University.
The Department of Health wants to see the British public make small changes to their diet and increase their weekly exercise, which they say could literally add years to peoples lives.
The research shows the difference could be dramatic: someone who improves their diet, exercises more and gives up smoking could increase their overall life expectancy by as much as 11-12 years.
The changes could be a simple as getting out of a lift and walking up a flight of stairs every day, or eating more fruit and vegetables.
Launching the 'Small Change Big Difference' campaign, Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said: "We all know that we should eat more fruit and veg and get more exercise to improve our health but sometimes improving our own health can be daunting."
"'Small change Big Difference' continues the work of Choosing Health and Our Care, Our Health, Our Say by helping people take control of their health and their lives."
Flint pointed out that there is no shortage of advice on healthy living in newspapers, magazines and other media, but many people still can't find the motivation to change.
She noted that while gym membership is on the rise, people can make a difference to their health in simple daily activities, which are easier to keep up over time.
"Eating an extra piece of fruit or walking up the stairs can help people add years to their lives," said Flint, revealing the government's commitment to keeping the message simple.
Professor Kay-tee Khaw led the Cambridge University research which looked at the lifestyle of 30,000 men and women aged 45 to 79 from a wide social class range living in Norfolk.
Named the EPIC Norfolk study, the results reveal that we are likely to live longer by changing our lifestyle in a number of key areas.
For example, eating the recommended five a day is likely to improve functional health and eating one additional portion could potentially increase life expectancy.
Similar results emerged with regard to physical activity, and in turn suggest that your working life can contribute to an improved lifestyle.
A standing job, such as that of a hairdresser or shop assistant, combined with only 30 minutes of exercise a day demonstrates a considerably lower risk of mortality in both men and women compared to not undertaking any additional exercise whatsoever.
An office worker, on the other hand, would be required to undertake at least one hour of additional exercise a day in order to fully benefit from the new health initiative.
