Physical Activity

The "silent killer"

Physical activity plays an important role in maintaining mood, managing weight and promoting self-esteem.  

Exercise can reduce the risk of serious health problems including the risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Research shows that many adults spend over 7 hours a day sitting down - at work, on transport or watching TV or a computer screen. People aged over 65 spend 10 hours or more each day sitting or lying down, making them the most sedentary age group. The Department of Health describes inactivity as a "silent killer". 

Our team can support you to increase your levels of physical activity, taking into account your current state of health and general circumstances.

Health benefits of physical activity

Having good levels of physical activity carries a wealth of benefits. It's medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have:

• Up to 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
• Up to 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes
• Up to 50% lower risk of colon cancer
• Up to 20% lower risk of breast cancer  
• A 30% lower risk of early death
• Up to 83% lower risk of osteoarthritis
• Up to 68% lower risk of hip fracture
• A 30% lower risk of falls (among older adults)
• Up to 30% lower risk of depression
• Up to 30% lower risk of dementia

How much activity should I do?

People aged 19-64 should aim to be active daily and complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week. Adults should also undertake weight-bearing physical activity, at least two days per week, to improve muscle strength and bone health.      

People between the age of 5 to 18 should be active daily, aiming for an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a day.

Younger people should also take part in a variety of types and intensities of physical activity across the week. This helps develop movement skills, muscles and bones. Aim to spread activity throughout the day and remember all physical activities should make you breathe faster and feel warmer.

How we can support you

We can support you in finding ways to become more active that suit you and your lifestyle. Once established, we will develop a plan that'll keep you active. Together we will set goals and keep track of your activity levels to monitor your progress.

We can also recommend and refer you to local leisure centres and activity groups.

Get in touch

Click the below button to take our online assessment to help you understand more about your health needs, prioritise them and find the right support for you.

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Alternatively, if you would like to speak to someone about any of our services, or would like assistance taking the assessment online please contact us on 0300 303 9988 or email provide.essexwellbeing@nhs.net to talk to one of our friendly team members.