Professionals resource hub | Health | Active Surrey
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Health resource hub for professionals

The hub provides you with the tools to encourage the less active people you support, including those with long term health conditions, to adopt new behaviours and become more active.

WHO ARE YOU LOOKING TO SUPPORT?

Man and woman cycle beside canal boats

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR EVERYONE’S HEALTH

Physical inactivity is the fourth greatest cause of ill health in the UK1. It is implicated in one in six deaths, the same as smoking.

Up to 40% of long term health conditions could be prevented by reduced inactivity2 and adults who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing many long term conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and some cancers.  In addition, we know being active boosts self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing the risk of stress3.

In Surrey almost one in five people - over 190,000 adults - are classified as wholly ‘inactive’, meaning they do less than 30 minutes of physical activity, such as walking, per week. This puts them at higher risk of developing long-term health conditions. (County trends and results by borough, can be found in our 'Active Lives' charts).

For those who are inactive, are disabled, have a health condition, are pregnant, or are older or frail, any amount of movement is of benefit4,5 and there is usually no need to gain 'permission' from health professionals provided patients start gradually.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GUIDELINES FOR ADULTS AND OLDER ADULTS

THE UK CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICERS’ GUIDELINES RECOMMEND EACH WEEK ADULTS DO

Please refer to the different guidelines for the physical activity needed for general health benefits at different life stages.

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2. Everybody active, every day, An evidence-based approach to physical activity Framework_13.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)

4. Public Health England. Physical activity for general health benefits in disabled adults: Summary of a rapid evidence review for the UK Chief Medical Officers’ update of the physical activity guidelines. London; 2018.

5. Smith R, Reid H, Matthews A, Calderwood C, Knight M, Foster C, et al. Infographic: physical activity for pregnant women. Br J Sports Med. 2018;52(8):532-3