28/11/2012

Lack of Exercise Is A 'Silent Epidemic' Says NICE

New guidance from The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence, has encouraged people to get more active.

Under the new plans you are advised shun cars if a trip could be done in 15 or 20 minutes on foot or bike.

National Obesity Observatory Dr Harry Rutter said: "Across the population, lack of physical activity causes roughly the same level of ill health that smoking does.

"We all face barriers in changing our lifestyles and many of us feel we don't have the time or the inclination to add regular physical activity into our lives.

"But walking and cycling to work, to school, to the shops or elsewhere can make a huge difference. We have a silent epidemic of lack of physical activity and here we have a wonderful opportunity to try and do something about it."

(NICE) are pushing for councils to introduce bicycle-hire schemes, car-free events and better cycle-route signalling and maps. They believe walking routes should highlighted better in addition to signposts displaying the distance and time it takes to walk to local destinations.

(GK)

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