Let’s Get Physical!

Your health is important and an active lifestyle is the key to better all round wellbeing. It will help you to feel well, stay well, give you energy and help you live longer.

The human body is designed to move but unfortunately most people are still not active enough to benefit their health, despite the flow of health messages communicated by the media, government and health sources.    It could be argued that in today’s busy society being active is lower down on the list of people’s priorities because there are too many other responsibilities to juggle.   In addition there are often other associated reasons such as lack of interest or desire, it is seen as hard work and for a number of people it could be linked to medical complications.   However, being physically inactive is one of the primary risk factors for coronary heart disease alongside smoking and a diet high in saturated fat. Those who take very little or no exercise are twice as likely to be at risk of coronary heart disease – one of the country’s biggest killers – as well as a range of other health issues associated with mental health and obesity. So you can see, the consequences of doing little or nothing can be very serious. 

Get Active is an exercise referral programme which was launched earlier this year by Kingston Primary Care Trust in collaboration with local partners which allows GPs to refer patients to an exercise specialist at one of the five leisure centres in the borough.  The programme is for those aged 16 and above whose health could benefit from a more active lifestyle. It is designed to assist people who have certain medical conditions and as a preventative measure for those who are at risk of developing health related problems.

These are just a few of the medical conditions/risk factors targeted by Get Active:

• Risk factors for heart disease i.e. family history smoking, overweight/obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure
• At risk of osteoporosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, joint problems and back pain
• Anxiety, depression, stress and controlled mental problems
• Controlled asthma

The benefits of physical are many, but here are just a few:

• Reduces your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Weight management
• Keeps your joints mobile and muscles and bones strong
• Increases self confidence, improves sleep and promotes relaxation
• Relieves stress and enhances mental health

If you would like to know more about the Get Active programme, please speak to your GP or health professional who will assess your suitability to the programme and complete a referral form. Alternatively, contact the
Co-ordinator at Kingston Primary Care Trust on 0208 339 8022;
e mail: shirley.piotrowski@kpct.nhs.uk

Kingston offers a range of leisure opportunities in the borough from healthy walks and cycling to a wide choice of sport. Please use the above contact details to find out more about ways to be active.