A new website is being launched by Enfield Council to coincide with ‘National Obesity Awareness Week’ (12- 18 January), to help its residents find all the information they need to eat well, move more and feel better.
This is the start of a six week ‘Make One Change’ campaign encouraging everyone to make lifestyle changes that help them shed unnecessary pounds and achieve a healthier weight.
Achieving and sustaining a healthy weight means that many serious heart diseases, cancers and mobility problems can be prevented and that both life expectancy and healthy life can be extended leading to a more productive and enjoyable life.
Cllr Rohini Simbodyal, Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, said, “Use the stairs; walk or cycle to work; cut down on fat; prepare and cook meals from scratch and drink less alcohol – these are just a few actions that individuals can do to improve their health.
“Small changes can make a huge difference and just one change can be extremely effective.”
During the campaign people will be encouraged to take part in games in local parks; join a walking group; set up a gardening club and grow their own produce, in addition to checking out some of the great offers and free activities at the council’s leisure centres through the ‘New Year, New You’ brochure.
People will also be encouraged to walk or cycle just to take advantage of the borough’s parks and green spaces.
Posters and leaflets will explain the benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle and local groups will be encouraged to promote the ‘Make one change’ message.
Dr Mo Abedi, GP and Chair of Enfield CCG, said, “It is a well-established medical fact that excess weight is linked to increased illness and reduced quality of life.
“Obesity is linked to heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer and some arthritic conditions. It is a significant cost to the local NHS. Perhaps more worrying is that fewer than 10% of obese adults accept that they have a serious weight problem. I therefore highly recommend that people move a bit more and eat more healthily.”
MEDS stands for Move more, Eat well, Drink less, and Stop smoking. Through these four simple approaches everyone can improve their health and life expectations.
Cllr Simbodyal, said, “Let 2015 be the year that we take responsibility for improving our health by following the MEDS ethos and by making at least one change that can change our lives for the better.”
To find out more go to the council website: www.enfield.gov.uk/meds
