Bright nights are coming, so get active

Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement
Bright nights are coming, so get active

Spring has barely sprung, with snow enveloping Northern Ireland over the past week, but with longer days and an extra hour of brightness in the evening with the clocks going forward on Easter Sunday [March 31], the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people of all ages to use the opportunity to get active as the weather improves.

Mary Black, Assistant Director for Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement at the PHA, said: “Regular physical activity is really good for health and can reduce the risk of many illnesses including heart disease, breast cancer and colon cancer. Physical activity also promotes good mental health by improving your mood, reducing anxiety and protecting against depression. It is recommended that adults get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day and kids 60 minutes.

“Over the dark winter months, is easy to get stuck in a rut, watching TV, playing computer games, and being inactive, but with the arrival of the brighter nights,  we have a perfect opportunity to get out and take the dog for a walk, go for a cycle or play some sport.

“Walking in particular is one of the easiest ways to get active as it is something that can be done at your own pace, with all the family, and is completely free.

“Parents and carers can also set a good example to children by being physically active themselves. If children are involved in sport and physical activity early in life, it increases the likelihood of them staying active physically for the rest of their lives.

“There are lots of activities for all ages and levels of ability to get involved with. Start with ‘small steps’ and build up the level of physical activity slowly.  Enjoy yourself and the benefits will be apparent.”

Increasing levels of physical activity is a positive first step. Benefits include:

  • having more energy
  • sleeping well
  • being able to cope better with stress and anxiety
  • feeling good about yourself

For information on small steps you can take to help you lose weight, visit the PHA’s website www.choosetolivebetter.com

 Advice and support on emotional wellbeing is available at www.mindingyourhead.info