Essex: Lives could be saved with regular exercise

NEARLY 1,000 lives in Essex could be saved if people took part in physical exercise, figures have revealed.

Statistics released by the South West Public Health Observatory and charity Sustrans show a lack of physical activity could cause as many as 975 premature deaths in the county each year.

The Health Impact of Physical Inactivity (HIPI) tool shows current levels of exercise are low among people aged 40 to 79 and health gains could be made if they increased physical activity.

The Government recommends that adults complete two-and-a-half hours of exercise a week.

In Essex, there were 5,399 deaths recorded in 2010 with an estimated 975 being preventable if exercise was taken.

There were 2,685 emergency admissions for coronary heart disease – 320 of which could be avoided.

Dr Mike Gogarty, director of public health at Essex County Council, said: “Unfortunately these figures show that too many of residents in the county are affected by or die from preventable disease caused by inactivity.

“Being physically active has many benefits for our residents’ health and wellbeing.

“It can protect against many of the biggest causes of early death and chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers.

“It can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.”