Supporting adults (18-60) without long term health conditions | Professionals resource hub | Health | Active Surrey
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PREVENTING DISEASE AND KEEPING HEALTHY

"If physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent and help treat." 1

In Surrey over one in five people - 200,000 adults - are classified as wholly ‘inactive’, meaning they do less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week. There is a strong evidence base that being physically active can prevent or manage more than 20 chronic conditions and diseases:

In general, the more time spent being physically active, the greater the health benefits. However, the gains are especially significant for those currently doing the lowest levels of activity (fewer than 30 minutes per week).

Physical activity is not just ‘exercise’ or sport. Being active could involve travelling to work, household chores, or things we do just for fun.  When people make being active a part of their everyday lives it is more likely to be sustained.

MOVING MORE, SITTING LESS

MOVING MORE, SITTING LESS

Every minute counts and every movement matters

There is increasing evidence that sitting down too much can also be a health risk. Sitting for long periods is thought to slow the metabolism, which affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and break down body fat2.

Nearly a third of people spend more than 6 hours sitting every day. The Chief Medical Officers’ Guidelines recommend breaking up long periods of sitting time with at least light activity.  This can include standing on the train or bus, taking the stairs, setting a reminder to get up every 30 minutes, walking around while on the phone or standing up and moving during TV advert breaks.

On this page you will find training, resources and signposting to help you encourage the adults you support to become more active.

LOCAL AND NATIONAL SIGNPOSTING FOR ADULTS LIVING IN SURREY

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1. UK CMO Physical Activity Guidelines, Sept 2019