The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is urging doctors to do more to motivate older patients to get fit.

The organisation, which is dedicated to fighting heart disease and promoting healthier lifestyles, is urging us all to get 30 minutes of exercise a day in any way possible, by doing things such as playing Frisbee, vacuuming and sex! For six surprising ways to have better sex, Click Here.

The BHF’s new 30 a Day UK-wide campaign, which targets over 50s who are not getting the recommended amount of physical activity features light-hearted billboard adverts showing combinations of every-day ways to be active, such as washing the car, gardening or swimming.

The BHF is also urging GPs and other primary care staff to provide advice on physical activity to all patients and to refer those who need more help getting exercise to physical activity programmes. Almost 60 per cent of over-50s have not discussed their physical activity levels with their GP since turning 50, according to a BHF survey.

“Our survey results are concerning. GPs should, as a matter of course, be discussing this issue with their patients,” said Dr Mike Knapton, Director of Prevention and Care at the BHF. “Health professionals can do more in prompting patients to get active. They could motivate big changes by asking a few simple questions.”

He supports routine fitness checks at 50 and again at 60, saying that the measure could kick-start a vital improvement, with the focus on disease prevention rather than treatment.

“The message is simple: 30 minutes of activities such as daily walking, gardening or swimming could help many avoid chronic debilitating diseases as well as saving the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds,” he added.

Someone dies in the UK as a direct result of physical inactivity every 15 minutes (for more, Click Here). Yet just 30 minutes of activity a day will help stave off heart disease and other illnesses. The BHF YouGov poll also revealed that almost a third of people give lack of time as a reason for their inactivity, yet three out of four would choose a sedentary activity such as using their computer, watching TV or reading if they had a spare 30 minutes in the day.

MPs were last week presented with a policy ‘blueprint’ for 30 a Day outlining the challenges and recommended targets at the Houses of Parliament.

As part of the campaign, the BHF is sending 2.5 million leaflets to households across the UK and the campaign poster will go up on over 2,000 billboards across the UK.

Activity Top Tips

o The BHF recommends adults take 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on at least five days of the week, but the 30 minutes can be broken into 10 or 15 minute sessions.
o As long as the activity makes you feel warm and breathe harder it will benefit your health.
o All sorts of every day activities can count towards your 30 a Day, including walking briskly, vacuuming and playing Frisbee.

For more surprising ways to exercise and burn calories without even realising it, Click Here.

The Facts

o People who take regular physical activity have twice the protection against coronary heart disease as those who are inactive.
o Just 30% of UK 50-64 year olds take the recommended amount of physical activity, and it gets worse as people get older – only 6% of 65-84 year olds in England get enough exercise.
o Three out of five 50-65 year olds asked in a YouGov poll, know what the recommended amount of exercise is, but they still choose to shun the health advice.
o Over half this age group are worried they are not getting enough physical activity.
o With regular, frequent exercise, people can dramatically improve their heart health as well as their mobility, balance and mental well-being, setting them up for a long and fulfilling later life.

Visit www.bhf.org.uk