We have two top priorities:
1 To increase the number of adults participating in three sessions of 30 minutes of moderate activity per week.
Statistics for 2007/08 showed that there were more than 15,000 obese adults in Luton.
Results from the recent Active People’s Survey indicates that only 15.3% of adults living in Luton participate in 3 sessions of 30 minutes of moderate activity per week, compared to 18.5% the previous year.
To be a healthier community we need to increase the number of people who get involved in 30 minute sessions of moderately intense sport or active recreation at least 3 times every week.
This could mean a 30 minute brisk walk three times a week, or a 30 minute walk on two days and a 30 minute swim on the third day or any combination of brisk activities lasting 30 minutes at least three times a week. It is not necessary to join a gym to keep fit.
2 To stabilise the increase in obesity within children 11 years and under. Obesity is a growing problem where high calorie food is continuously available and relatively cheap, and where at the same time, we use labour saving devices extensively and ride in buses or cars rather than walk.
The link between obesity and preventable illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer is undeniable, but research shows that many parents are unaware of the risks to their children. It shows, too, that we underestimate how much we eat and how much our children eat, while we overestimate the amount of activity the family does.
According to recent reports, over a third of children in England are overweight or obese, and this is something we need to work together to address in Luton.
By making a few changes in our everyday life we can improve our own health and that of our families. To help us make these changes, we are working with a number of partners to provide a wide variety of sporting events, dance classes, walks, fun days and courses relating to activity and healthy lifestyle, to give local residents an opportunity to try new activities and to learn about healthy eating and healthy living.
