Today marks the launch of ‘One You’, a ground-breaking new campaign to help adults across the country avoid future diseases caused by modern day life.
Everyday habits and behaviours – such as eating too much unhealthy food, drinking more than is recommended, continuing to smoke and not being active enough – are responsible for around 40% of all deaths in England, and cost the NHS more than £11 billion a year.
It is estimated that there are around 225,000 smokers in Kent (approximately 19% of the population) and almost 770,000 overweight and obese adults (65.1% of the local population). Figures also show that there were 24,833 alcohol related admissions in Kent in 2014/15 – a 25% increase in five years.
Kent County Council is supporting ‘One You’ which aims to encourage adults, particular those in middle age, to take control of their health to enjoy significant benefits now, and in later life.
Latest figures show that life expectancy at older ages is at record levels, yet many are spending their retirement living in ill health. Currently 15million Britons are living with a long-term health condition, yet studies show living healthily in middle age can double your chances of being healthy when you are 70.
The new campaign from Public Health England will help adults in Kent to move more, eat well, drink less and be smoke free. ‘One You’ will also provide information on how people can reduce their stress levels and sleep better.
It is encouraging adults to start by taking a new online health quiz, called ‘How Are You’. This innovative quiz provides personalised recommendations based on your results and directs people to tools and advice to help them take action where it’s most needed. Over half (56%) of 40-60 year olds taking the ‘How Are You’ quiz said they were likely to change their lifestyle to improve their health because of the feedback it gave them.
KCC Director of Public Health, Andrew Scott-Clark said: “We are supporting the ‘One You’ campaign because it reinforces the work already underway in the county to encourage people to reappraise their lifestyle choices, put themselves first and do something about their own health.
“It reminds people that it’s never too late to improve their health – making small lifestyle changes such as eating well, drinking less alcohol, quitting smoking or being more active can double your chances of being healthy at 70 and beyond. We want people to put themselves first and do something about their own health before it’s too late.”
Professor Kevin Fenton, National Director of Public Health England said: “For the first time, Public Health England is launching a campaign that talks to adults directly about all of the things they can do to improve their health. The scale of the campaign is unprecendented and includes new public and commercial partnerships with Amazon, Asda, BBC Get Inspired, Slimming World and the Armed Forces.
“This will see One You in every community, on every high street, in local health services, on websites and in social media. We want everyone across the country to know that it is never too late to get your health back on track.”
For more information and to take the ‘How Are You’ online quiz, search ‘One You’ online now or go to www.nhs.uk/oneyou
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Notes to Editors
For further information about One You, please contact: Bethany Pearson at Bethany.Pearson@freuds.com or telephone 07909 892366.