FIT TOGETHER Supporting Independence and helping to prevent and improve long term conditions.

1. FIT TOGETHER Supporting Independence and helping to prevent and improve long term conditions.

2. Fit Together In Norfolk

3. What is Health A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity’ (World Health Organization) physical mental social

4. Participation in Physical Activity at Recommended levels Nearly 70% of us don’t do enough physical activity to benefit our health! Health Survey England 2004, Department of Health 2005

5. 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

7. 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

8. Volunteer Led Walks

9. Other Fit Together Activities • Fit Together – Tone Together • Tea Dance • Line Dancing • Badminton • Nordic Walking • Aqua Fit • Games Afternoon • Summer Activities – Tennis, Putting

11. 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.

12. 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 1994-2003 in England the prevalence of diabetes in men increased by nearly two-thirds and in women has almost doubled

13. 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.

14. Health benefits of Walking 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

15. The relationship between physical activity level and risk of disease (heart disease and diabetes) High RISK Low Inactive or Very Unfit Very Active Or Fit PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OR FITNESS LEVELS CMO Report ‘At least five a week’ - 2004

16. 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?

17. Benefits: Why is walking so good? 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

18. Mental Health and Wellbeing 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

19. The Future of Fit Together 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.

21. How can physical activity help YOU to manage people with long term conditions? What next? Thank you! Walking the way to Health www.whi.org.uk