Physical activity does not need to be strenuous to be effective. For children and young people this is 60 minutes of exercise a day, and for adults it is 30 minutes a day on at least 5 days a week. This could be a brisk walk, a swim, or even a spell of gardening. Each ten-minute bout that gets the heart rate up has a health benefit.

Physical inactivity costs the economy in Cornwall over £100 million per year, with the more disadvantaged individuals and communities being less active than advantaged ones.

Regular physical activity reduces the risk of many long-term conditions. It also helps to improve mood, relieve depression and increase personal feelings of well-being. Physical activity is beneficial at all ages and even an inactive person can gain significant benefits if they start to do just a little activity. Older people can benefit from a reduction in dementia, frailty, falls and hip fracture.

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Healthy Weight Strategy’s aim is to increase the number of people who are a healthy weight, with a Healthy Weight Programme which is inclusive, has a life course approach and is relevant to all; though there are targeted activities which focus on those with the greatest need (e.g. lower socio-economic status, those with multiple health conditions and higher BMI).

Being more active - why is this important to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly?

This information has been taken from the Director of Public Health's Annual Report 2015/2016.