Natural England

We’ve all heard the news reports about being a nation of junk food eating, over weight couch potatoes. In Yorkshire and the Humber, obesity is the second most important preventable cause of ill health and death after smoking, and we have some of highest levels.

Therefore, how many of us really know how healthy we are and what simple steps we can take to improve our general wellbeing?

Natural England have teamed up with two North Yorkshire nurses at the Great Yorkshire Show to help you answer these questions. The nurses will be giving free checks and advice on the best ways to improve health and wellbeing.

Checks include a free five minute consultation on blood pressure, weight and waist measurement, glucose, cholesterol and carbon monoxide levels and information on how a healthy diet, enjoying the outdoors and regular exercise could really help shift the flab and banish the blues. Natural England staff will explain where you can go, how to make the most of a visit and put you in touch with walking groups and other support networks on your doorstep.

The two nurses are from a GP practise in Thirsk and have previously been offering health checks and advice to farmers at auction marts around the region.

Nurse Anne Reed said "our previous events have been very positive especially with people who do not feel the need to attend their doctors surgery. We have successfully picked up raised blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels and referred people back to see their own GPs for further tests. We can pick up potentially serious conditions at an early stage and we provide screening in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. We recommend that people take 5 minutes out of their busy schedule to come and see us, it could save their life or put their mind at rest!"

Peter Nottage, Regional Director for Yorkshire and the Humber added “this is a new and exciting partnership approach to linking health with the environment and we’re grateful to the Regional Public Health Group for their support and involvement. We all know that our environment has health-boosting properties and Natural England has an objective to provide accessible natural space within 300 metres of every home in England for exercise, relaxation and wellbeing.”

Notes for editors

For print quality pictures of Anne Reed giving Peter Nottage a health check, interviews and further information please contact Emma MacDonald on 0113 2303533 emma.macdonald@naturalengland.org.uk or from 30th June, Howard Botting on 01609 767439 howard.botting@naturalengland.org.uk

The Natural England stand can be found on Avenue o at the show, stand number 532.

For more facts and information on Natural England’s health campaign visit http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/campaigns/health/

These are some additional health tips:

• People who do more physical activity have more energy and feel more motivated.
• Walking can lower the risk of health problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, bowel cancer, breast cancer and depression.
• Walking protects our joints from wear and tear thanks to muscle build-up.
• Your immune system is protected for up to 24 hours after a walk, which can help prevent you from catching a cold.
• If you walk for 30 minutes a day you can burn off 2,000 calories a week (the equivalent of six Mars bars) or 150 calories per mile. That may not seem like a lot but walking and keeping fit also increases your metabolism - so it’s good for you even when you’re not doing it .
• Exercising outside can improve concentration for several hours afterwards. Our stress levels fall within minutes of contact with nature – good for body and mind.
• All generations can get involved.
• Walking is free and all you need is a comfortable pair of shoes.
• Walking in your local park or the places available on your doorstep is the greenest way to exercise as it doesn’t leave a carbon footprint.

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.