Public Health England launches ‘One You’

Public Health England

Public Health England has launched ‘One You’, a ground-breaking new campaign to help adults in the North West 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 ‘One You’ aims to encourage adults, particularly those in middle age, to take control of their health to enjoy significant benefits now, and in later life.

In the North West: 

• 66% of adults are classified as overweight or obese. In 2013-14, obesity was a contributing factor for almost 56,000 hospital admissions.
• 30% of adults are classified as inactive, doing less than 30 minutes of at least moderate-intensity physical activity per week in bouts of 10 minutes or more.
• There were 3,600 alcohol-related deaths in 2013, and nearly 38,000 alcohol-related hospital admissions in 2013-14 (excluding A&E).
• 20% of persons aged 18 years and over smoke, and smoking was attributable to an estimated 75,000 hospital admissions of people aged 35 and over.
• Between 2012-14, the rate of deaths attributable to smoking was an estimated 329 per 100,000 population. 

Latest figures show that life expectancy at older ages is at record levels, yet many are spending their retirement living in ill health. Currently 15 million 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 the North West 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.

Dr Rebecca Wagstaff, Deputy Director, Health and Wellbeing, Public Health England North West said: “Modern day life makes it hard for people to live healthily, with bigger portions for everything we eat, a desk-bound job or a long commute. One You gives people the chance to reappraise their lifestyle choices, put themselves first and do something about their own health before it’s too late.”

Professor Kevin Fenton, National Director, 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 Asda, Slimming World, BBC Get Inspired and the Ministry of Defence.

“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.”