Go for More in 2010
December 22, 2009 – 8:01 amThe wind-down has begun, the winter break is almost here. We have a change of routine, some time to take stock and to recharge our energies for the coming year. Personal evaluations may take our thoughts to personal fitness as well as to work related goals. Staff at Barnsley Primary Care Trust, Barnsley, UK, have compiled their top 10 gift list that could improve our health in the New Year. These are listed below in case they motivate some new activities for you in 2010. The next ten days or so could be a time to prepare your psychological platforms to actually do them. Or, you may just groan at the very thought! At least the Barnsley staff have given us something to think about, even if that is all we do.
medtechinsider will be on holiday from 24 December until 4 January 2010. We hope you have found our news and comments valuable and we look forward to rejoining you in the exchanges in the New Year. For now, have a relaxing and enjoyable mid-winter festival and may it lead to a successful and productive 2010!
Now read on if you are interested in that physical activity …
Staff at Barnsley Primary Care Trust compiled their top 10 gift list, which they say cost less than £10 and could improve our health in the coming year. Public health physical activity lead for NHS Barnsley, Alison Millbourn, commented, “People don’t have to shell out huge amounts of money to join a gym or buy expensive food or equipment to help improve their health. It’s not too difficult to find an inexpensive gift … that can really help motivate people towards improving their health.” Their suggestions are as follows:
Dance lesson
Benefits the heart and lungs
It is recommended that all adults take part in at least 30 minutes of activity on at least five days a week. The recommended level for children is 1 hour every day.
Boxing mitts
Benefits the heart and lungs
The staff recommend taking part in NON CONTACT boxing training to help achieve the above, without the risk of injury associated with contact boxing.
Pedometer
Benefits the heart and lungs
Walking at a pace and at a time to suit is free and can contribute to the recommended levels of physical activity. Almost everyone can integrate even a small amount of walking into their everyday lives.
Sudoko puzzle book
Benefits the mind
Can help boost mental clarity
Hand and leg weights
Benefits arm and leg muscles
Can build up muscle strength for those wanting a little bit more out of their exercise sessions, whilst working towards their five x 30 minutes goal.
Free trial gym membership
Benefits the whole body
More expensive regular attendance, under the right supervision, can help achieve the five x 30 minutes recommended levels of physical activity.
Swiss ball
Benefits stomach and other muscles when following supervision instructions
Follow the instructions to achieve a range of health gaining benefits.
Low fat cookbook
Benefits the whole body
Helps reduce the risk of diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke
Exercise/elastic bands
Benefit various muscles when following supervision instructions
Used in conjunction with 30 minutes of physical activity on at least five days a week can improve muscle tone and flexibility.
Skipping rope
Benefits the heart and lungs
This is a moderate/advanced way of achieving the five x 30 minutes target when you feel the need to advance your workout.
Annie Ellerton
