Menu
13/02/2004
NI health targeted in new 'get active' campaign
The Health Promotion Agency (HPA) has urged the Northern Ireland public to ‘get active’ by launching a new phase of the high-profile ‘Get a life, get active’ physical activity campaign.
The campaign follows statistics which show that 62% of men and 61% of women are either overweight or obese in the province. Research also showed that two thirds of the population aged 65 or more do no physical activity at all.
Launching the campaign and the grants scheme, Dr Brian Gaffney, HPA’s Chief Executive, said: “The evaluation of past physical activity campaigns has shown that they have helped increase activity levels as well as improve knowledge of the health benefits of physical activity such as reducing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and help control body weight. It is also an investment for an independent, healthy future."
One of the main messages of the campaign is that it is more beneficial to do just 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week, rather than one vigorous workout once a week.
Physical activity can include anything that gets the heart pumping such as brisk walking, gardening, swimming, climbing stairs, and even housework.
As part of this campaign the HPA is also launching the Get Active in the Community Cash Grant Awards 2004, a scheme that has already helped thousands of people get moving towards a healthier lifestyle, with cash grants of up to £500.
Information about the grants scheme and application forms is being sent to voluntary organisations, community groups, schools and the physical activity coordinators at Health and Social Services Boards.
(MB)
The campaign follows statistics which show that 62% of men and 61% of women are either overweight or obese in the province. Research also showed that two thirds of the population aged 65 or more do no physical activity at all.
Launching the campaign and the grants scheme, Dr Brian Gaffney, HPA’s Chief Executive, said: “The evaluation of past physical activity campaigns has shown that they have helped increase activity levels as well as improve knowledge of the health benefits of physical activity such as reducing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and help control body weight. It is also an investment for an independent, healthy future."
One of the main messages of the campaign is that it is more beneficial to do just 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week, rather than one vigorous workout once a week.
Physical activity can include anything that gets the heart pumping such as brisk walking, gardening, swimming, climbing stairs, and even housework.
As part of this campaign the HPA is also launching the Get Active in the Community Cash Grant Awards 2004, a scheme that has already helped thousands of people get moving towards a healthier lifestyle, with cash grants of up to £500.
Information about the grants scheme and application forms is being sent to voluntary organisations, community groups, schools and the physical activity coordinators at Health and Social Services Boards.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 July 2004
Health Minister launches physical activity consultation
Health Minister Angela Smith has launched a three-month consultation exercise on a new Physical Activity Strategy and Action Plan for Northern Ireland.
Health Minister launches physical activity consultation
Health Minister Angela Smith has launched a three-month consultation exercise on a new Physical Activity Strategy and Action Plan for Northern Ireland.
03 June 2003
Report finds almost half NI population are overweight
Over half a million adults in Northern Ireland are overweight and a further 250,000 are obese, the Health Promotion Agency has revealed. The statistics also raised serious concerns about obesity in children here with a third of boys and a quarter of girls aged 12 carrying excess weight.
Report finds almost half NI population are overweight
Over half a million adults in Northern Ireland are overweight and a further 250,000 are obese, the Health Promotion Agency has revealed. The statistics also raised serious concerns about obesity in children here with a third of boys and a quarter of girls aged 12 carrying excess weight.
13 May 2024
People Urged To 'Move More' For Their Mental Health
The Public Health Agency (PHA) have announced a new partnership with Sport NI to encourage everyone to move more for their mental health and wellbeing.
People Urged To 'Move More' For Their Mental Health
The Public Health Agency (PHA) have announced a new partnership with Sport NI to encourage everyone to move more for their mental health and wellbeing.
14 September 2023
New Mental Health And Emotional Wellbeing Campaign Launches
A new mental health and emotional wellbeing campaign has been launched by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care (HSC).
New Mental Health And Emotional Wellbeing Campaign Launches
A new mental health and emotional wellbeing campaign has been launched by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care (HSC).
02 April 2019
Diabetes Prevention Programme Rolled Out Across NI
A new programme aimed at tackling the increasing pressures of type 2 diabetes has been launched by the Public Health Agency (PHA).
Diabetes Prevention Programme Rolled Out Across NI
A new programme aimed at tackling the increasing pressures of type 2 diabetes has been launched by the Public Health Agency (PHA).
-
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.
