Adult physical activity (health and wellbeing needs in South Tyneside)

Introduction

  • Physical inactivity directly contributes to one in six deaths in the UK the same number as smoking. Around a quarter of us are still classified as inactive, failing to achieve a minimum of 30 minutes of activity a week. In some communities only one in ten adults are active enough to stay healthy. A wealth of evidence shows that an active life is essential for physical and mental health and wellbeing. A number of diseases are currently on the increase and affecting people at an earlier age. They include cancer and diabetes, and conditions like obesity, hypertension and depression. Regular physical activity can guard us against these (PHE, 2014).
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