Scottish Government
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Encouraging physical activity
New tool to help health professionals
A new tool will be distributed to health workers to help highlight the importance of physical activity.
The new infographic was launched by Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Catherine Calderwood at the Scottish Medical Leadership Conference in Glasgow yesterday (Monday). Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, and also addressed the conference at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
The one page document is designed to encourage health professionals to speak to patients about why it’s important to be active. It highlights some of the benefits of physical activity, which can cut the chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes by 40 per cent, cardiovascular disease by 35 per cent, and breast and colon cancers by 20 per cent.
Physical activity has been proven to improve sleep, manage stress and improve quality of life. UK guidelines state that adults should aim to have at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on five days a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.
It is estimated that inactivity leads to 2,500 premature deaths in Scotland every year, and costs Scotland £660 million, or nearly £2 million per day.
The infographic will be distributed to doctors, nurses, GP surgeries, charities and allied health professionals such as physiotherapists.
Dr Calderwood said yesterday: “Tackling inactivity is one of the biggest public health challenges facing Scotland today. Taking the recommended level of physical activity can improve your mental and physical health and can help prevent and manage more than 20 chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, dementia and even cancer.
“We need to sit less and move more. It’s never too late to start, and small changes are much better than doing nothing.
“It’s vital that more people know about the importance of physical activity, and the benefits it can bring. Health professionals have a big role to play in spreading the word. This simple infographic will ensure they have the information they need when they’re having those conversations with patients.”
Dr Andrew Murray, a GP and Sports and Exercise consultant at the University of Edinburgh added:
“If we can increase physical activity levels in Scotland, seven lives will be saved every single day, and Scotland will be happier, and healthier. Regular physical activity is one of the best presents we can give our children, improving marks at school, helping them live seven years longer, and making people happier on average.
“In general practice and hospitals there is a real opportunity to promote regular physical activity in the same way we ask and advise about smoking and alcohol. This is not nagging, but helping improve the health of our patients, and people in Scotland. Our efforts on physical activity are working - latest figures show more people are walking regularly, while all universities now include teaching on physical activity for tomorrow’s doctors, nurses and physiotherapists.”
Dr Iain Wallace- Chair of the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management Scotland, said:
“These infographics offer clear, concise information to health professionals and fitness professionals on the benefits of physical activity and the amount and type of physical activity that is recommended. They are welcome, as regular physical activity is key for health and happiness. It is important that nurses, physios, doctors and all health professionals know about the benefits of physical activity. Each step is a step to health, something is better than nothing, and any form of physical activity is good for you.”
Dr Roderick Jaques, President of the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK, said:
“We welcome this straightforward initiative on the Government’s physical activity guidelines by Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer. It is often hard for health professionals and patients to be able to take the time to address physical inactivity, with many different messages on the level and intensity required
“This infographic sets out clearly how to start increasing physical activity to the right levels and the benefits it will bring. Just 10 minutes at a time of moderate activity, such as walking or gardening, which increases your heart rate and gets you moving will make an enormous difference.”
President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Professor Frank Dunn CBE said:
“Increasing physical activity must be given equal priority to smoking cessation and addressing harmful use of alcohol. Small changes in a person’s level of activity can significantly impact on their health - we know that just 30 minutes of exercise daily can reduced mortality by up to 30%. Of equal importance is the beneficial effect of physical activity on mental ill health.”
Related Link:
ScotGov Physical activity infographic
