Small Change Big Difference

30 August 2006

The Report published by the Government last week, revealed that by 2010, 39% of men and 27% of women in Yorkshire will be obese, facing a future of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, strokes and cancer. The £1 billion bill the NHS picks up treating the effects of obesity today will rise.

The Prime Minister is quite clear that Government has a key role to play in trying to slow this worrying trend. That is why he has asked me to take up this new role to see how across Government we can support people to become fitter and more active.

Our message is that things don't have to get worse. We can all take more care of our own and our children's health and even small changes to our daily routine can make a big difference to our long-term health.

Here are a few examples of small changes that put a little exercise into everyday life.

1. Leaving the car at home and walking to work helps or getting off the bus or the tube one stop early.
2. How many of us drive to the corner shop to buy the Free Press when we could walk?
3. Ration time children use their Game Boy - for every hour, encourage them to spend an hour playing outside.
4. Find out if there are exercise or sports clubs for them that are available after school or in the holidays.
5. Walking children to school will really make a difference - for you and them.

What do I do?
Well, I've made a start. I walk to the office more, when I'm working in Westminster. I use the stairs instead of the lift. I even do a regular workout in a gym.

And at weekends, I try to take the dog for a decent walk - a bit longer than his regular walk.

Small changes, but I feel better for it.

I hope you will give it a try.