There is a simple step that everyone can take that will have a lasting positive impact on their health; that is to take 30 minutes of physical activity on most days.

Physical activity is free and can help people to live longer, have fewer long term health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, have a healthy body weight and feel better emotionally.

To encourage more people to be more active, the Argyll and Bute Health and Wellbeing Partnership is launching a physical activity strategy.

Not everyone is as physically active as they could be and some people find it more difficult than others to be active. The new strategy aims to help people to be more active, and includes initiatives in schools, workplaces, healthcare settings and in the community.

This strategy was developed by Argyll and Bute’s Health and Wellbeing Partnership following a consultation earlier this year involving community and voluntary groups. Julie Young, of the Argyll and the Isles Coastal and Countryside Trust, said, “Health and wellbeing is among our key objectives and we are working closely with our partners in Community Planning to develop projects which will encourage people to get out and enjoy being active in Argyll and the Isles.”

Christina West, Chief Officer, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership said, “We are very proud of this strategy as lots of people have come together from the NHS, council and the voluntary sector to create a shared vision for increasing rates of physical activity. Argyll and Bute is a vibrant place to live with lots of opportunities for physical activity, however, some people find it less easy to be active and this strategy aims to ensure people are aware of the benefits of being active and have the opportunities to do so.”

Alison McGrory, Chair of Argyll and Bute’s Health and Wellbeing Partnership said, “The NHS provides services for us when we are ill and need treatment; however we are all responsible for our own health and should know that how we lead our lives can have a significant effect on our health. Increasing physical activity is such a simple answer to improving health – it’s like a magic pill that if taken every day can lead to people living longer, healthier and happier lives.”

Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Community and Culture, Councillor Robin Currie, said, “We all feel better when we have an active lifestyle. It’s such a simple thing and Argyll and Bute offers such great opportunities – it can also be fun. So make the time, and enjoy yourself. Argyll and Bute Council has been delighted to be part of developing this new strategy for physical activity. It is in all our interests, including my own, to lead more active lives.”

Recommended physical activity levels:

The early years (under 5s)

Physical activity should be encouraged from birth through both water-based activities and floor-based play.

Once walking unaided, young children should be active for at least three hours per day spread throughout the day.

Children and young people (5 – 18 years)

This age-group should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity per day.

Muscle strengthening exercises to be undertaken at least three times per week.

Adults (19 – 64 years)

Adults should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity (or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity) exercise over the course of a week and should aim to be active daily.

Muscle strengthening exercises should be included at least twice a week.

Older adults (65+ years)

Older adults should aim to accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity over the course of a week and should try to be active on a daily basis.

Muscle strengthening exercises, combined with those which improve balance and coordination, should also be undertaken.

For more information about how to get active visit

http://healthyargyllandbute.co.uk/health-and-wellbeing-partnership/