Being Physically Active
Being physically active helps maintain physical and mental wellbeing, and prevents disease. It can reduce the risk of many chronic conditions, like coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity, mental health problems and musculoskeletal conditions. It is the “wonder drug” the NHS would like to prescribe to all. WHO figures show that physical inactivity accounts for an estimated 9% of premature mortality.
The Chief Medical Officer’s recommendations indicate that adults should aim to be active daily. Over a week, activity should add up to at least 150 minutes (2½ hours) of moderate intensity activity in bouts of 10 minutes or more, and everyone should minimise the amount of time spent sitting or being inactive.
Over 40% of adults in Cardiff and Vale don’t undertake sufficient regular physical activity, including nearly a third (30%) who are considered ‘inactive’, engaged in less than half an hour of physical activity each week. Physical activity promotes cardiovascular health and mental well-being.
ASK
"Are you interested in being more active?"
ADVISE
- Move more and more often
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week including some physical activity each day in periods of 10 minutes or more
- Being active helps to reduce and maintain weight, reduces stress and lifts mood, strengthens bones and muscles and decreases the risk of developing chronic conditions and diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and strokes
- Advise your client to try the following:
- Build walking and cycling into daily living routines by walking to the shops, to work, to school, or when visiting family and friends
- Go out for a brisk walk most days
- Make use of the parks and green spaces across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan
- Use the car less and make use of public transport
- Try new activities in local centres, including strength & balance for older people
ACT
Signpost the client to:
- Make your Move
- Walks: Outdoor Cardiff or Vale Ways
- Falls Prevention Classes
- Practice nurse or GP
- Activities in Cardiff:
- Activities in the Vale of Glamorgan:
