Physical Activity
Physical activity recommendation for healthy adults
For general health, a total of at least 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity physical activity (the activity is enough to cause a faster breathing and heart rate together with a sensation of warmth) on five or more days of the week reduces the risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease and some cancers, significantly reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and can also improve psychological well being.
Physical activity recommendation for good health for young people
For young people, a total of at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity is needed each day, at least twice a week. This should include activities to improve bone health, muscle strength and flexibility.
Physical activity can be pre planned and structured (like sports and exercise) or spontaneous and incidental (like walking). We encourage all types of health enhancing physical activity, but for both adults and children it is important to find activities which can be enjoyed and can be easily incorporated into everyday life. Trying to reduce the amount of time spent sitting down, on the computer, playing video games and watching television can benefit health and help increase activity levels. Many people say that they do not have time to be active yet on average UK households watched three hours and 45 minutes worth of television a day in 2009!
Useful websites
www.nhs.uk/livewell
www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture
www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture.aspx
www.letsgo.org.uk