A UK Wide Inactivity Crisis
"Changing the health of the nation through physical activity”
This is a horrifying statistic:
Wow. "1 in 4 uk adults completely inactive". Fred Turok #ukactivesummit @_ukactive @DavidStalker
— AudioFuel (@AudioFuel) November 7, 2013
But seen within a context where inactivity could break the bank and cease the NHS as-we-know-it, it’s an even more scary prospect.
Could Physical inactivity costing £10bn a year break the NHS? Fred Turok #ukactivesummit @_ukactive
— AudioFuel (@AudioFuel) November 7, 2013
And thus the scene was set at the UK Active Summit today.
There was plenty more horrifying evidence that large parts of UK population, at all ages, is heading for disaster. Consider this:
#ukactivesummit @_ukactive low cardio respitory fitness a bigger cause of death than obesity smoking hypertension pic.twitter.com/fIUeqPFNWD
— AudioFuel (@AudioFuel) November 7, 2013
And so now, in 2013, we’ve arrived at a place when inactivity is worse than smoking, alcohol, obesity, cholesterol or hypertension as a cause of death.
The only thing (from my perspective) worse than that awful fact, was David Cameron’s ‘delighted’ support for UK Active’s mission.
Last night he offered the following quote (zoom in, it’s worth it):
So apparently the PM agrees. #ukactivesummit pic.twitter.com/Vr2t7T6ghw
— AudioFuel (@AudioFuel) November 7, 2013
But I’m afraid I don’t believe his rhetoric. I don’t see or hear the evidence that shows the PM or other senior political leaders get this issue at all.
I have to say though today, Andy Burnham MP impressed me.
His address to the congress had a quality of honesty, authenticity and ambition that made me feel he’s understood the problem at hand. Really, he was brilliant. And to be clear, I’m not a signed up member of the Labour party (or much of a fan of politics in general).
@andyburnhammp Secretary of Skill. Truthful, believable & important words. Brilliant. #ukactivesummit @_ukactive pic.twitter.com/gc9xBtnzCM
— AudioFuel (@AudioFuel) November 7, 2013
Which is important as Professor David Walker, the deputy chief medical officer for England reminded us:
Physical inactivity is expensive. #ukactivesummit @_ukactive @NHSChoices pic.twitter.com/HYcCs7Zh5S
— AudioFuel (@AudioFuel) November 7, 2013
So what’s the solution? Turns out to be exercise and partnership.
Exercise. Wonder drug. #ukactivesummit @_ukactive pic.twitter.com/b01HPlqwNR
— AudioFuel (@AudioFuel) November 7, 2013
So I’m putting out a plea, from a small business with a loyal following that’s punching way under its potential weight in helping address this issue.
Please partner with AudioFuel and bring this kind of magic to the UK population.
I’d like to thank UK Active. I wasn’t as aware of the inactivity crisis as am now, and the campaign to get More People, More Active More Often is Brilliant, I’m now seeking ways for AudioFuel to be a bigger part of the solution.
The goal of the #ukactivesummit more people more active more often. Brilliant @_ukactive @ProMeetings pic.twitter.com/tAU9ZYxn87
— AudioFuel (@AudioFuel) November 7, 2013
Well done @_ukactive . Brilliant summit. Thanks so much. Turn the tide of inactivity. More people. More active. More often. #ukactivesummit
— AudioFuel (@AudioFuel) November 7, 2013