Menu
05/01/2011
NI Needs Healthier Outlook, Says Boots
Two thirds of people in Northern Ireland don't think they'll make it to 80 years-of-age, despite this now being the average UK life expectancy.
That's according to an assessment on the state of the UK's health that was commissioned on behalf of the new Boots Health Assessment Tool.
It shows that that people need to reassess their lifestyles and make important changes if they are to live a full and healthy life.
The Boots Health Assessment Tool is a new online tool that assesses an individual's current health, whilst providing top tips and advice on how they can improve their health status.
In 2010, 98% of people in Northern Ireland decided to quit smoking, eat more healthily, exercise more or lose weight, but, according to high street pharmacy the review demonstrates that NI is not taking health into consideration at a young enough age.
Just 5% of the UK's 18-24 year olds know their cholesterol level; even more concerning is that just 43% of over 55s know theirs.
With a quarter (25%) of people in Northern Ireland reporting a family history of coronary heart disease, the highest of any region surveyed, it is essential that vital statistics such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure are assessed and monitored regularly.
But, despite attempting to make positive changes to their diet over the past year, the report has shown that 70% still do not know the recommended maximum amount of saturated fat a man is allowed to consume in a day.
Northern Ireland is also snubbing important guidelines such as the Body Mass Index; over half (58%) do not know their BMI and 62% do not even know what a healthy BMI range is.
The results from the report also showed we are feeling the effects of stress, with 98% of people in Northern Ireland saying they feel stressed at some point.
The UK's 18-24 year olds are suffering the most, a third of which claiming to feel stressed every day.
Following a year of immense financial strain on the whole country, the subject of money stresses out 65% of people in Northern Ireland, whilst 53% worry about relationships.
Dr Chris Steele commented: "As a nation we continue to live our lives in the fast lane, so ensuring we review our health on a regular basis is becoming increasingly important.
"The results released by Boots UK seem to demonstrate that our busy lifestyles, over-indulgences, stress and lack of exercise are even making us question our own life expectancy.
"The Boots Health Assessment Tool will create a personalised action plan for you and provide you with tools to track your progress to help keep you motivated and stay on track.
"It is rewarding and reassuring to see your health score improve when you do progress re-assessments, which will also give you the incentive to stick to your new good habits."
(GK/BMcC)
That's according to an assessment on the state of the UK's health that was commissioned on behalf of the new Boots Health Assessment Tool.
It shows that that people need to reassess their lifestyles and make important changes if they are to live a full and healthy life.
The Boots Health Assessment Tool is a new online tool that assesses an individual's current health, whilst providing top tips and advice on how they can improve their health status.
In 2010, 98% of people in Northern Ireland decided to quit smoking, eat more healthily, exercise more or lose weight, but, according to high street pharmacy the review demonstrates that NI is not taking health into consideration at a young enough age.
Just 5% of the UK's 18-24 year olds know their cholesterol level; even more concerning is that just 43% of over 55s know theirs.
With a quarter (25%) of people in Northern Ireland reporting a family history of coronary heart disease, the highest of any region surveyed, it is essential that vital statistics such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure are assessed and monitored regularly.
But, despite attempting to make positive changes to their diet over the past year, the report has shown that 70% still do not know the recommended maximum amount of saturated fat a man is allowed to consume in a day.
Northern Ireland is also snubbing important guidelines such as the Body Mass Index; over half (58%) do not know their BMI and 62% do not even know what a healthy BMI range is.
The results from the report also showed we are feeling the effects of stress, with 98% of people in Northern Ireland saying they feel stressed at some point.
The UK's 18-24 year olds are suffering the most, a third of which claiming to feel stressed every day.
Following a year of immense financial strain on the whole country, the subject of money stresses out 65% of people in Northern Ireland, whilst 53% worry about relationships.
Dr Chris Steele commented: "As a nation we continue to live our lives in the fast lane, so ensuring we review our health on a regular basis is becoming increasingly important.
"The results released by Boots UK seem to demonstrate that our busy lifestyles, over-indulgences, stress and lack of exercise are even making us question our own life expectancy.
"The Boots Health Assessment Tool will create a personalised action plan for you and provide you with tools to track your progress to help keep you motivated and stay on track.
"It is rewarding and reassuring to see your health score improve when you do progress re-assessments, which will also give you the incentive to stick to your new good habits."
(GK/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 September 2024
PHA Makes Accessing Contraception Easier On World Contraception Day
In recognition of World Contraception Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of informed choices in sexual and reproductive health. They're reminding residents of Northern Ireland about the various resources available to easily access contraception and learn about different methods.
PHA Makes Accessing Contraception Easier On World Contraception Day
In recognition of World Contraception Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of informed choices in sexual and reproductive health. They're reminding residents of Northern Ireland about the various resources available to easily access contraception and learn about different methods.
25 October 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
20 June 2019
Waiting Lists For Mental Health Services Rise
An Ulster Unionist MLA has warned that growing delays in accessing mental health treatment could be damaging for children and young people in Northern Ireland.
Waiting Lists For Mental Health Services Rise
An Ulster Unionist MLA has warned that growing delays in accessing mental health treatment could be damaging for children and young people in Northern Ireland.
10 November 2011
Mental Health Issues No Workforce Barrier
People with mental health issues are making a significant contribution to the workforce. Far from being any burden, the Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, has highlighted the significant contribution that those with mental health issues make to Northern Ireland's workforce.
Mental Health Issues No Workforce Barrier
People with mental health issues are making a significant contribution to the workforce. Far from being any burden, the Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, has highlighted the significant contribution that those with mental health issues make to Northern Ireland's workforce.
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
