THE NHS in the South West is encouraging people to stay active this autumn and winter.

The South West’s top public health doctor is urging people to get active as the days draw in, to help reduce their risk of long-term conditions, serious illness and even early death.

With more than one in five adults classed as inactive and nearly half of children and young people not hitting recommended levels of activity, the aim is to get the region moving.

Regional Director of Public Health for NHS England South West Dr Justin Varney-Bennett said: “There is a tendency as the weather gets worse, the days get shorter and we don’t have a holiday outfit to squeeze into, that we want to hibernate on the sofa but this is exactly the time when being active every day is important.

“It doesn’t matter how you get active every day, whether it’s a few extra trips up and down the stairs at home, dancing round the living room or using resistance bands in the garage.

“Physical activity can help boost your mood as the days get shorter and the weather gets worse, it reduces the risk of over 40 different diseases and for those with existing health conditions like diabetes and cancer, being active every day reduces health complications.

“From walking groups to walking football, there are loads of great clubs and groups across the South West offering everything from rumba to roller skating, and for those living with a long term condition like Parkinson’s Disease there are some specific groups where you can get active with people with same kind of challenges, PD Warriors is a great example of this.”

The NHS get active guide can help you find new ways to get moving. You can access the guide by visiting: nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/.