Exercise your way to a healthier life and retirement BY LISA SALMON wdnews@b-nm.co.uk Popping out for a regular brisk walk or cycle, and using the stairs instead of the lift, could be as good as popping pills for some conditions. While it’s long been known that physical activity massively reduces the risk of developing certain diseases, a major new study suggests exercise may also be as effective as drugs at treating conditions like heart disease and stroke. Although people who suffer from such illnesses shouldn’t just throw their tablets away, the implication is that regular exercise should be as important a part of their treatment regime as medication. The new study, by researchers at the London School of Economics, Harvard Medical School and Stanford University School of Medicine, analysed the results of 305 trials involving nearly 340,000
people, comparing the effectiveness of exercise and drugs on preventing death. It found being active was just as good as medicine for those with existing heart disease, and in the prevention of diabetes, and a more effective treatment than drugs for people who’d suffered a stroke. Professor Mark Batt, a sport and exercise medicine consultant at Nottingham University Hospitals, says: “Physical activity is extremely important for health, and we know there’s compelling evidence for both the prevention of chronic diseases and now in treatment. “There was already information about how effective exercise is in reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and also depression, osteoporosis and others, but this study gives more information about its ef-
Whatever form of exercise you choose to do, a basic level of fitness can help fight illnesses
fectiveness as a treatment, and that’s really important.” But while physical activity is clearly good for your health on several levels, only 14 per cent of UK adults exercise regularly, and recent British Heart Foundation figures show that only a third meet recommended levels of physical activity. Part of the problem is, of course, that often it’s easier to reach for the pills than it is to exercise. But Batt points out that people don’t need to join a gym and make a huge effort to achieve the benefits of being active. Just taking the recommended weekly 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise is enough to really make a difference. “We’re struggling to get enough people to meet physical activity guidelines,” says Batt. “Society is partly to blame – we like things to be very easy. “But this isn’t about buying a new tracksuit and running shoes, it’s about a lifestyle change.” Although there’s “a mountain of evidence” that physical activity is very good for health, Batt says there’s a lack of evidence about the exercise prescription that works best. “We won’t find a perfect dose because we’re all different,” he explains. “What’s right for one person may not be for somebody else.”
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While physical activity is clearly good for your health on several levels, only 14 per cent of UK adults exercise regularly, and recent British Heart Foundation figures show that only a third meet recommended levels of physical activity
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2 LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL SATURDAY OCTOBER 12 2013 WESTERN DAILY PRESS From previous page
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Nevertheless, simply doing the minimum amount of recommended exercise could bring a wealth of benefits. For example, after regularly exercising, someone taking a drug for mild high blood pressure might be able to come off it, lose weight and reduce the chances of developing type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis, and will probably feel a lot better. “There are multiple benefits
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to this fantastic form of treatment that we haven’t invested enough in,” stresses Batt. “What we should be saying is let’s get everybody to meet the physical activity guidelines, rather than waiting for a trial to find the perfect dose, which will never happen. There isn’t a one-size exercise dose that fits all.” In some cases, exercising instead of taking medication, rather than as well as, may be a possibility, says Batt. “For many conditions, a life-
We are a small group of 3 high quality care homes. Our founding vision is to provide excellence in all aspects of care for all our residents.
Exercise may be good for you, but only 14% of adults do it regularly
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style change that involves improving physical activity, as well as paying attention to weight, undoubtedly will enable some people to come off medicines for type two diabetes and mild high blood pressure. “Longer lives and the number of prescriptions written for chronic diseases is why healthcare’s becoming more expensive, yet the number of adults exercising is very low,” Batt adds. “Exercise can be free; drugs cost a lot.”
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Keep things cosy as winter approaches Swollen feet is a problem that affects many people yet finding footwear to fit can be a nightmare. It’s not something that the average shop on the high street caters for. But without the right footwear, it’s almost impossible to enjoy life to the full. That’s where a company called Cosyfeet can help. It started 30 years ago with a simple idea – to make attractive footwear for people with swollen feet. Since then it’s expanded its range to include extra roomy socks and hosiery as well as a range of mobility products. Cosyfeet footwear is ideal for swollen feet. It’s extra wide and deep and many of the styles are adjustable. That means you can alter the fit if your feet swell as the day goes on or if one foot is more swollen than the other. Their extra roomy socks and hosiery are perfect for swollen legs as they don’t dig in or restrict circulation. The Cosyfeet shop is based in Street. Their friendly, experienced staff are on hand to offer help and advice and ensure you leave with the product that’s right for you. The custom-built shop is bright and welcoming with plenty of free parking outside. There’s wheelchair access, toilets and air conditioning to make your visit as pleasant as possible. To look at the range of
products before you visit the shop, call 01458 447275 for a free mail order catalogue. Alternatively visit their online shop at www.cosyfeet.com
A rented home with all you could need A report by Age UK, presented to MPs in November 2012 called on the Government to launch a review of retirement housing. It followed hot on the heels of a damning article in the Mail on Sunday about people who purchase their retirement home; which highlighted plummeting resale values, spiralling costs and opaque management fees. The Hawthorns retirement complex in Clevedon points out there is an option which overcomes most, if not all, the negative issues raised about owning a retirement property – and the option is renting. The Clevedon development is one of just three operated in the UK by Hawthorns Retirement, an American company which has brought its concept of retirement living across the Atlantic. The big difference with The Hawthorns is it offers retirement housing which is rented, not bought – and not just retirement housing, but a retirement lifestyle. A fixed monthly rental includes all your many monthly expenses including three meals a day prepared by in-house chefs, gas, electricity, water and
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Hawthorns retirement home has rented accommodation where, for a fixed monthly fee, essentials such as bills and food will be taken care of
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dated, including a selection of high technology baths. A full range of care and personal services are provided, including podiatry, physiotherapy and hairdressing. Each home has an activities co-ordinator offering a programme of interesting activities, and regular trips are offered in a new minibus and wheelchair enabled cars. Tasty, nourishing meals are cooked on site each day by top quality chefs. To learn more about the unique care service provided by Bristol Care Homes, please visit www.bristolcarehomes.co.uk
drainage, weekly housekeeping, maintenance – even a free private coach to take you to the shops and back. Further information on retirement living Hawthornsstyle at Clevedon can be obtained on 01275 790060 or visit http://www.hawthornsretirement.co.uk/
Activities and tasty meals of high quality Bristol Care Homes has homes in Almondsbury, Thornbury and Horfield, Bristol, and has developed a well-earned reputation for its commitment to deliver the highest quality of care in very pleasant surroundings. Each of the homes is set in attractive locations with beautiful gardens and offers a range of accommodation, all tastefully decorated and furnished, with a choice of attractive lounges and conservatories. For clients who would like a little more space superior single rooms have now been added to the range of accommodation that is available. These rooms are larger, with a lounge area, upgraded furniture, lighting and decoration and en-suite shower facilities. All residents are assessed on arrival and, where appropriate, provided with fully configured wheelchairs at no cost to themselves. All equipment is modern and regularly up-
wide range of different choices regarding coffins, transport and way of personalising a funeral, which we are more than happy to advise. Call Ashley on 01278 794304 or visit www.ashleyedwards.co.uk
Summer fair gave everyone a great day Staff and residents at Care South’s Beauchamp House Country House Care home in Taunton recently welcomed the community into its beautiful gardens for the home’s annual summer fair. Between 2pm and 4.30pm, visitors were able to browse a variety of exciting stalls, including raffle, tombola, cake, bric-a-brac, art and crafts and stationery stalls. There was also a range of traditional fair games, including hook-a-duck, skittles and a coconut shy. The face painting stall was also very popular, with plenty of younger visitors. Local singer and musician, Ken Eden, performed for visitors, treating them to renditions of swing and jazz numbers. Cream teas were available throughout the afternoon, along with a selection of ice creams. Despite the rain, residents and visitors had a brilliant day and £410 was raised for the Residents’ Amenity Fund. Pat Britten, nurse manager at Care South’s Beauchamp House, said: “Everyone here at Beauchamp House really enjoyed this year’s summer fair – it’s a real highlight of the year
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You don’t have to stop enjoying yourself later in life, Karen Witts, above right, the activities co-ordinator at Beauchamp House, should know after a successful summer fair this year
for us. At Care South, we work hard to maintain strong links with the community and events like these are a great way to do that.” Beauchamp House care home is nestled in the heart of the village of Hatch Beauchamp near Taunton. Operated by Care South – a leading provider of residential and home care across the south of England – Beauchamp House provides high quality residential and nursing care tailored to the needs of its individual residents. Beauchamp House is currently accepting new residents. Call Beauchamp House on 01823 481500 or visit www.caresouth.co.uk
Ashley Edwards is your local independent funeral director, based in Highbridge on the west Somerset coast we offer traditional, bespoke and green funerals to the people of Highbridge, Burnham on sea and surrounding areas. We regard all those who call upon us as part of our wider, extended family and are committed to offering you a caring, professional service, 24 hours a day all yea. Arranging any funeral can be distressing, which is why choosing the right funeral director to ease you through the process can make all the difference. Within the modern world we appreciate that everyone is different some may wish stay with tradition, but for others, the world of funerals offers a
Maintaining your way of living Set in landscaped gardens, Beechwood House provides a very high standard of residential care for 27 elderly people, all in ground level, en-suite rooms. Our aim is to provide a caring and comfortable home for people who feel unable or do not wish to live on their own any longer. Established for more than 15 years, we take pride in our freshly prepared home cooking, offer a full activities program and encourage resident’s independence. We want you to maintain your way of life, while knowing that help is available whenever you need it. Call Sandra Barclay 01935 472793.
Imagine ... Is this your perfect retirement? A spacious modern apartment kept spotless by our weekly housekeeping services? Three fresh meals cooked for you every single day? No worries about security and maintenance? All this and more from an affordable rental price! And no more household bills. GUARANTEED
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A warm West Country welcome and quality nursing care in an exquisite South Somerset location Beauchamp House is a Care South Country House care home, offering the highest quality nursing care for all levels of need, from short term respite to high dependency and palliative care. Nestled in the heart of Hatch Beauchamp, close to Taunton, Beauchamp House is an elegant Georgian manor which has To arrange a visit, go to the Care South website now been tastefully refurbished by Care South, to provide quality, innovative care in a home-from-home atmosphere. www.care-south.co.uk or call us on
% 01823 481500 Care South is a leading provider of residential and home care across the south of England.
www.hawthornsretirement.co.uk Braintree, Essex . Clevedon, Somerset . Eastbourne, Sussex
Registered Charity No. 1014697
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