Tackling a weighty issue
Three political heavyweights are stepping up for a challenge to try and prove that it’s never too late to start leading a healthier lifestyle.
Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth Gerald Smith, the borough council’s Leader Marcus Jones and Health and Environment Committee Chair Jeff Clarke will all have a weigh in this Thursday.
Following the weigh in on Thursday all three will then be given their various goals and receive their individual packs from the Healthy Living Network.
Sonya Johnson, Manager of Nuneaton and Bedworth’s Healthy Living Network, said: “I’m delighted that these three representatives of the people are demonstrating to all, but especially men, their willingness to set a good example and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
“There are many real and perceived barriers to a healthier lifestyle and hopefully by working with these three gentleman we can demonstrate that there are ways to get around issues such as time, cost of food and apathy.
“Many people are surprised when we take them out to do their food shopping and they find that filling their trolley with a healthy diet is actually a lot cheaper than their normal shop.
“Lifestyle has a huge impact on our health, you only have to look at different parts of Nuneaton where in one area the life expectancy is 81 and in another it is 73 to see how a few simple changes can have a dramatic impact. We must all work together to narrow these gaps in our society.”
The weigh in on Thursday will be followed by regular input from the Healthy Living Network including weekly weigh-ins at the workplaces to see how they are getting on.
Mayor Gerald Smith will be using his personal challenge to help raise money for his Mayoral Appeal this year, and says ‘he hopes to set a good example to men around the borough’.
Meanwhile Cllr Marcus Jones said: "For many following a healthier lifestyle is extremely difficult, people often work long hours, don’t eat at the right times and don’t always eat the right things. As somebody who probably can make all of these excuses I hope to be able to achieve a healthier lifestyle through the Healthy Living Network."
Helen King, NHS Warwickshire’s Acting Director of Public Health, said: “The Healthy Living Network is doing an important job by raising awareness of how small changes can make a big difference to health. We support this campaign wholeheartedly and would encourage anyone who is inspired by the councillors’ challenge to speak to their GP or visit the website http://www.nhs.uk for more information on becoming more active and eating more healthily.”
Anyone interested in looking at giving their own life a makeover can contact Sonya Johnson on 024 7632 2048 for help and advice.