BRIGG LIFESTYLE ADVICE & TIPS ON HOW TO BE FIT & HEALTHY

FROM KIRSTY WESTFIELD, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

The council is encouraging people to live healthy lives and keep active as this can more than double your chances of staying healthy aged 70 and beyond.
To stay healthy it is recommended you do at least 150 minutes of moderate activity every week alongside a healthy diet. This can easily be broken down into five sessions of 30 minutes of aerobic activity such as cycling or fast walking.
It’s also important to do strength exercises on two days of the week that work all the major muscles (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms).
A great way to start is to download the ‘Couch to 5k’ app. It has been designed to get you off the couch and running in just nine weeks. Go on, grab your trainers and follow the step-by-step instructions.
Being active is really good for your body, mind and health. And there are lots of easy ways you and your family can get moving.
If you don’t do enough exercise, you increase your risk of getting heart disease and some types of cancer. Getting some exercise each day can also help prevent depression and dementia.
Start small and build up gradually, for example using the stairs instead of the lift at work.
You can get lots of useful information on how to be more active through the ‘One You’ campaign, visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/people-health-and-care/health-and-healthy-lifestyle/public-health-campaigns/one-you/
The council’s Active Together programme offers wide range of free physical activities sessions for families to get involved in. Take a look at the timetable at www.northlincs.gov.uk/activetogether
For older people looking to exercise, the Active Ageing programme has a variety of activities available such as walking football and chair-based exercise. Take a look at the timetable at www.northlincs.gov.uk/activetogether 
If you would like to sign up to a council leisure centre to keep active, why not take advantage of the shape up for summer pass that is on offer at a discounted price of £35 for 30 days – saving you £23! To find out more, contact your local leisure centre www.northlincs.gov.uk/leisurecentres
In the UK it is estimated that physical inactivity caused 17 per cent of premature deaths from various causes including coronary heart disease, some cancers and Type 2 Diabetes.
The council is attending the Health Matters event organised by North Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) on Wednesday 10 August from 12.30pm to 3.30pm at The House, Brumby Wood Lane, Scunthorpe.
At the event the council will offer functional fitness MOTs to adults aged 50 and above. The MOT uses simple physical exercises including hand grip strength test to give an idea of how their fitness compares to their peers. There will also be the opportunity to find out about what physical activities are offered in the area. 
For more information about the event, visit: www.northlincolnshireccg.nhs.uk/news/?post=your-health-matters-n-tell-us-what-you-think

Coun Carl Sherwood, from Brigg, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing (pictured above when he was Town Mayor), said: “It is never too late to lead a healthy lifestyle and take part in physical activity. Whether that is moderate or vigorous exercise – it all makes a difference.
“There is plenty of support available to help people start exercising. We provide a number of programmes for families, older people and children. No matter what your age, exercise is extremely important. Visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/activetogether to find out what activities you can get involved in.
“The key message is: to help you stay healthy later in life, exercise regularly and have a balanced healthy diet.”

About the One You campaign: The ‘One You’ campaigned launched in 2016 by Public Health England to encourage adults, particularly those between 40 and 60 to make small lifestyle changes in order to improve health and increase the chances of staying healthy into old age. For more information on the One You campaign and the benefits of exercise during midlife, visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/people-health-and-care/health-and-healthy-lifestyle/public-health-campaigns/one-you/

TOP PICTURE: "Go on, grab your trainers and follow the step-by-step instructions," says North Lincolnshire Council. Our picture shows an inspirational competitor on Bridge Street during the running section of the  Brigg Bomber event.