The XXL Factor

Borough residents are being urged to improve their health this year by making a Change4Life to help combat over-eating, drinking and lack of exercise. 

The national campaign encouraging people to eat well and be more active is being supported by NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale throughout the borough.

Highlighting the benefits of fruit and veg through taster sessions in schools and local shops; promoting healthy eating in workplaces; and tackling takeaways from scratch to create tasty, healthy dishes through cookery demos, are just some of the planned programmes for 2013.

Dr Jane Rossini, Director of Public Health said: “Christmas is traditionally a time of over-indulgence and vowing to have a healthier lifestyle is one of our most popular New Year resolutions.

“Don’t forget to give yourself a boost over the holiday period with a family walk, a few active family games on the Wii and some alcohol-free days. Obviously the simplest way to good health is a balanced diet including five portions of fruit and veg, stop smoking, drink less alcohol and take part in 30 minutes of exercise daily. Advice from www.nhs.uk/change4life can inspire and encourage people to maintain the momentum and events in the region will inspire and support those resolving to make a fresh, healthy start to 2013.”