Health awareness guide
The benefits of physical activity have been known for many years.
“Better to hunt in fields for health un bought
Than fee the doctor for nauseous drought
The wise for cure on exercise depend
God made his work not for man to mend”
John Dryden 1700
The link between exercise and good health has long been recognised, The Chief Medical Officers Report in 2004 identifies the scientific evidence. “The message in this report is clear. The scientific evidence is compelling. Physical activity not only contributes to well-being, but is also essential for good health. People who are physically active reduce their risk of developing major chronic diseases – such as coronary heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes – by up to 50%, and the risk of premature death by about 20-30%. The annual costs of physical inactivity in England are estimated at £8.2 billion – including the rising costs of treating chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and diabetes. This does not include the contribution of inactivity to obesity – an estimated further £2.5 billion cost to the economy each year.
(Chief Medical Officer, A call for action 2004)
There are numerous benefits of physical activity that can be realised by people of all ages and abilities. These are not just physical, but also mental, and social too.
Further information can be obtained from the menu on the right.