Physical activity

Being active regularly can reduce your risk of major illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some types of dementia and cancer. There are so many health benefits of being active regularly and it can boost your self esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy.

For most people the easiest way to get moving is to make activity part of every day life such as walking or cycling instead of using the car. However, the more you do the better, and the better you will feel.

Use open discovery questions to make the most of conversations by recognising an opportunity to discuss health and wellbeing.

This could be 'How much physical activity do you do at the moment?' or based upon something that you've just been talking about such as - 'How have you traveled here today?'

Acknowledge the response by using healthy conversation skills such as active listening, reflecting or showing empathy. This will allow for a joint understanding of the support a person needs.

Take appropriate action to either give information, signpost to a local service or refer them yourself. Remember that the solution must be person centered and they must want to change.

It is widely evidenced that physical activity can have a positive effect on both physical and mental wellbeing, both in the context of prevention and treatment. If you want to know more about activity and health and local offers visit the Active Together Active Medicine page: https://www.active-together.org/activemedicine

Across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland there are services in place to support individuals to increase the amount of physical activity they do.

Health benefits of exercise and physical activity guidelines - www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/

Kickstart your health with Better Health - www.nhs.uk/better-health/?WT.mc_ID=Google&

Easy ways to eat well and move more - https://www.nhs.uk/change4life

Being outside enjoying nature, green space and blue space offers many benefits to our physical health and mental wellbeing. To find information on local parks, open spaces and cycling routes nearby please visit - https://www.active-together.org/myway

Physical activity and mental wellbeing support for pre and post natal women - https://www.activemumsclub.org

Below are flyers providing support and guidance around the Chief Medical Officers physical activity guidelines for specific groups, click on the web link to make your move