FIT TOGETHER Supporting 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) physicalmental 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!

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 NHS WHI (British Heart Foundation and Natural England) – Training, Publicity and Insurance Objective: 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 week Accessible to all Abilities (Grades 1 to 4) Health & Safety (Risk Assessed) Covering the whole of Norfolk (excluding GY) Near public transport if possible Close to a venue for social outlet Free parking if possible Special 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 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 strength At a ‘brisk’ pace improves functioning of heart and lungs reduces blood pressure Health benefits of Walking

CMO Report ‘At least five a week’ High Low RISK Inactive or Very Unfit PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OR FITNESS LEVELS Very Active Or Fit The relationship between physical activity level and risk of disease (heart disease and diabetes)

Most people can join in No special equipment Low impact Can vary the pace Can increase the daily amount Many health gains – leads to dietary changes Quick results Not 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 in No special equipment Low impact Can vary the pace Can increase the daily amount Many health gains – leads to dietary changes Quick results Not 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 adults There 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 stress Physical 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 Health How can physical activity help YOU to manage people with long term conditions? What next?