FIT TOGETHERSupporting Independence and helping to prevent and improve long term conditions.

Fit Together In Norfolk

A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity’ (World Health Organization)

physical

mental

social

What is Health

Participation in Physical Activity at Recommended levels

Health Survey England 2004, Department of Health 2005

Nearly 70% of us don’t do enough physical activity to benefit our health!

Proportion meeting physical activity guidelinesat least 30 minutes 5 times per week

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16–24 25–34 35–44 45–54 55–64 65–74 75+ All ages

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Women

Who, Why and How?

Created by Lloyds Pharmacy Match funding from National Sports Foundation, Sport England, Norfolk Primary Care Trust, NNDC - two years from April 2010 funded by NHSWHI (British Heart Foundation and Natural England) – Training, Publicity and InsuranceObjective: To encourage increased activity and a healthier lifestyle with a particular focus on those in mid life and beyond and diagnosed with Long term conditions.How: Walking programme, dancing and other activities

The Walks Programme

Varied and Interesting with over 40 walks a weekAccessible to all Abilities (Grades 1 to 4)Health & Safety (Risk Assessed)Covering the whole of Norfolk (excluding GY)Near public transport if possibleClose to a venue for social outletFree parking if possibleSpecial Walks/Events, Charity Walks

Volunteer Led Walks

Other Fit Together Activities

• Fit Together – Tone Together • Tea Dance• Line Dancing• Badminton• Nordic Walking• Aqua Fit• Games Afternoon• Summer Activities – Tennis, Putting

Walk more feel the difference

WHI established in 2000 by Dr. William Bird with the aim to• Get people to walk more in their local area to improve

their health• Focus on short walks – under an hour’• Funded by British Heart Foundation and Natural England• More than 600 health walk schemes• 42,000 volunteers• Natural England is the Government advisor for the natural

environment and aims to inspire value in and promote conservation and sustainability for a secure future.

Incidence of certain long term conditions are increasing

• Mental illness - In Great Britain, mental health disorders affect about 1 in 6 of the adult population

• Obesity related ill health - In England in 2005 nearly a quarter of men and women were obese. If the trend continues 9 out of 10 of us will be overweight or obese by 2050

• Diabetes - Between 1994-2003 in England the prevalence of diabetes in men increased by nearly two-thirds and in women has almost doubled

Walking to assist people with long term conditions.

Being more physically active can:• Reduce the risk of certain

Cancers.• Regular walking halves the risk

of having a heart attack.• Will lower your blood pressure,

and can reduce it within as little as 10weeks.

• Reduce risk of diabetes through lowering blood pressure and maintaing good blodd glucose.

• Assist with chronic long term pain, aid relief and improve mental health.

At any pace mental health benefits and better sleep helps to prevent diabetes increases ‘good’ cholesterol helps to reduce weight benefits immune system / reduces bowel cancer reduces risk factors for falls in the elderly prevents development of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis in certain groups improves muscle strengthAt a ‘brisk’ pace improves functioning of heart and lungs reduces blood pressure

Health benefits of Walking

CMO Report ‘At least five a week’ - 2004

High

Low

RISK

Inactive orVery Unfit PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

OR FITNESS LEVELS

Very ActiveOr Fit

The relationship between physical activity level and risk of disease (heart disease and diabetes)

Most people can join inNo special equipmentLow impactCan vary the paceCan increase the daily amountMany health gains – leads to dietary changesQuick resultsNot age or cost-related Realistic goals Social contact and support Group walking – safety and confidence Low risk of injury

Fit Together – supporting independence?

Most people can join inNo special equipmentLow impactCan vary the paceCan increase the daily amountMany health gains – leads to dietary changesQuick resultsNot age or cost-related Realistic goals Social contact and support Group walking – safety and confidence Low risk of injury

Benefits: Why is walking so good?

Physical activity is positively associated with psychological well-being in older adultsThere is growing evidence to support the existence of a link between physical activity and decreased clinical depression Physical activity can alleviate short-term reaction to stress and aid recovery from stressPhysical activity can enhance self-esteem

‘The Way Forward for physical activity and the promotion of psychological well-being’ Biddle 2000

Mental Health and Wellbeing

To expand and run led walks from GP surgeries and from care homes.To train up colleagues in the health sector so that the programme becomes more sustainable and they can run there own walks from their sites. Throughout the year to target specific user groups to promote the benefits of Fit Together for their particular LTC.To continue growing membership and increasing volunteer support.

The Future of Fit Together

Thank you!

Walking the way to Healthwww.whi.org.uk

How can physical activity help YOU to manage people with long term conditions?

What next?