Increasing physical activity can save Health Service millions

New research revealed today shows that if the number of people in Northern Ireland who currently take little or no physical activity could be decreased by 5%, the Government would save almost £2.37 million per year as a result of reductions in coronary heart disease, stroke and colon cancer patients.

This figure was revealed today during the launch of the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland's, 'Get a life, get active', public information campaign on physical activity. Speaking at the launch Caspar Swales, Deputy Economist, Economics Branch, DHSSPS, said: "The Northern Ireland Physical Activity Strategy aims to reduce the sedentary population by 5% by 2002. If this target is reached it would be expected that as well as making considerable financial savings, more importantly the number of deaths related to an inactive lifestyle will be reduced by 365 per year - one death a day."

The new initiative, which aims to get the Northern Ireland public more active, focuses on two activities - walking and cycling - which will be highlighted in a television advertising campaign. Posters and leaflets have also been produced, and will be distributed throughout Northern Ireland.

A community grants scheme has also been set up to encourage members of communities throughout Northern Ireland to become involved in some form of physical activity. The Agency has been working closely with the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) and Disability Action and as a result almost 100 community groups will be receiving small grants this summer.

Frank Kelly, Physical Activity Programme Manager for the Health Promotion Agency, said: "We hope the campaign will grab everyone's attention and will encourage everyone, especially the over 40s, to be more active. Trying to do 30 minutes of physical activity on most days will have major health benefits.

"The campaign highlights how walking is one of the easiest ways to exercise. In fact, research shows that walking a mile briskly uses the same calories as running a mile. Walking gives a total body workout if you put energy and effort into it. Cycling is another fun way to build physical activity into your day. It provides an excellent work-out for the heart, builds strength in the back and legs and assists the mobility of hip and knee joints. Cycling is also an inexpensive and environmentally friendly way to travel!

"Physical activity is a vital part of maintaining and improving health. It has many benefits, such as, reducing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and osteoporosis. It can also help control body weight and is an investment for a healthy independent future."

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