Published: 28 April 2006
Small Change – Big Difference
Getting off the bus a stop earlier, walking up the stairs instead of taking the lift or eating an extra piece of fruit or vegetable a day could add years to a person's life, according to a major new public health initiative launched by the Prime Minister.
Small Change BIG DIFFERENCE is a new initiative which shows people how they can improve their future health and wellbeing by making small, easily achievable changes to their lifestyles.
And the initiative is supported by new research which reveals that simple steps can achieve major health benefits no matter when people start.
The Prime Minister launched the new initiative with Public Health Minister Caroline Flint on a visit to the YMCA where he met children, young people and older people all engaged in increasing their health & wellbeing through physical activity.
Moderate amounts of physical activity alone can increase life expectancy but add this to eating five a day or stopping smoking, for example, and the impact can be even greater.
Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said:
"We all know that we should eat more fruit and veg. and get more exercise to improve our health but sometimes improving our own health can be daunting.
Small Change BIG DIFFERENCE is about showing people that there are everyday, simple choices they can make in their lives which will have a direct impact on their health.
Eating an extra piece of fruit or walking up the stairs can help people add years to their lives.
Choosing Health, the public health white paper, set a framework for helping people make healthier choices. We are legislating to ban smoking in public places and are helping people quit smoking.
We are reducing the amount of salt in people's diets, food retailers and manufacturers have started to introduce front of packet labelling to help people make healthier choices in the food they buy and we will be restricting the type of food that can be advertised to children.
We are rolling out health trainers across the country and will be introducing life checks.
Small Change BIG DIFFERENCE continues the work of Choosing Health and Our Care, Our Health, Our Say by helping people take control of their health and their lives.
It shows that it is never too late to start making these simple changes and getting on track to a healthier future and a longer life”.
Research by Professor Kay-tee Khan, Cambridge University School of Clinical Medicine at Addenbrooke's Hospital shows the impact dietary changes and increased physical activity can have on major causes of death and ill health like cancer and cardio vascular disease.
The study looked at over 30,000 people aged from 45 to 79 living in Norfolk.
While eating the recommended five a day could give you the life expectancy of someone three to four years younger, even one additional serving of fruit or vegetables would increase your chances of staying alive longer. And the results for increasing physical activity are similar.
Even very moderate amounts of physical activity at work and during leisure time can add up to three years. Taken together improved diet and increased physical activity as well as stopping smoking could add up to 11-12 years to an individual's life expectancy.
Professor Khaw, said:
"Many of us find it difficult to change our usual lifestyle.
However, there is increasing evidence that even relatively small changes can make a big difference to our health and well being.”
The departments of Health and Work & Pensions has also announced the appointment of Professor Dame Carol Black, President of the Royal College of Physicians, as the government's first ever National Director for Health and Work.
Her role will be to spearhead the government's commitment to promoting health in the workplace.
Further information:
Small Change BIG DIFFERENCE:
Choosing Health
Our Care, Our Health, Our Say
Related articles:
Active Woods
NAO – Childhood Obesity
Consulting on Healthy Living
Delivering Choosing Health
Counting to Health
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