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Plsw {v nl{ v| z{hy{lk Livewell Southwest’s team of wellbeing experts provide free advice and support on how to improve and maintain your physical and mental wellbeing. If you are looking to make a change or want to know how you can help others to improve their wellbeing, you can find out all about the services available to you in Plymouth at www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk. Healthy weight Livewell Southwest offers a range of activities and programmes to help you manage your weight and feel physically fitter, supporting you to make simple lifestyle changes. These range from cooking skills programmes, weight management programmes, physical activity programmes and health promotion events. The 10% Club is a free 12-week weight management programme for adults aged 16+ with a Body Mass Index between 26 and 39. The programme will help you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to manage your weight more effectively. The club holds weekly sessions for group discussion, information and practical help. These sessions will help you to get active, understand portion sizes, food labels and eating ‘triggers’, they will help you set healthy weight goals and to learn how to cook delicious, healthy meals from scratch. The 10% Club will motivate and support you to be more active in your daily routine and you will also take part in gym sessions as part of the group. Walking for wellbeing Livewell Southwest runs regular free walks around the city that are not just a great way of getting active but are a good opportunity to meet new people and explore our wonderful city. The walks are organised and let by a health and wellbeing specialist and are graded by ability so to find out when the next walk is running near you, visit the wellbeing pages at www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk. If you would like to take part all you have to do is turn up at the meeting point in suitable clothing and footwear, and bring a water bottle! Mental Wellbeing At some time in our lives, most of us find ourselves feeling a little low, overwhelmed or worried. Plymouth Options, a free service provided by Livewell Southwest, can help you with tips and tools for managing stress, anxiety and low mood. Plymouth Options is currently running a series of free workshops across Plymouth to help you learn mindfulness techniques, how to improve your sleep, strategies to manage anxiety and stress. The next workshops are running here: Stress Control – Tuesday 8th March, 2-3pm and Tuesday 15th March 3.30-4.30pm, Plymouth Centre Court Mindfulness – Tuesday 8th March, 5-6pm, Tuesday 15th March, 2-3pm, Plymouth Central Library, Tuesday 29th March, 1.302.30, 3-4 and 4.30-5.30, Plympton Library Sleep Well, Feel Well – Tuesday 8th March, 3.30-4.30pm, Tuesday 15th March, 5-6pm, Plymouth Central Library, Tuesday 22nd March, 18.45-19.45 Plymouth Centre Court Managing Anxiety – Saturday 19th March, Plymouth Centre Court, 11-12, Friday 1st April, 10-11am, Plymouth Centre Court Managing Low Mood – Friday 22nd April, 10-11am, Plymouth Centre Court To find out more and to book your place at one of the free workshops visit www.plymouthoptions.com.
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EING healthy in middle age can double your chances of being a fit and happy pensioner. That’s the message being delivered by health chiefs today as they launch a national One You campaign urging people to consider how their lifestyles effect their health. A “How Are You” app will help people determine what steps they can take to avoid the most lifethreatening conditions, including heart disease, stroke and cancer. The initiative – which reflects The Herald’s own I Love Life Campaign – acknowledges the health inequalities which affect the whole country – and are particularly apparent in Plymouth. There is currently a nine-year gap in life expectancy between those who live in Devonport and those who live in Goosewell. Councillor Ian Tuffin, cabinet member for Health and Adult Social Care, said the council was committed to improving local people’s health and wellbeing, and reducing the health inequalities across the city. He said: “We welcome the launch of Public Health England’s One You campaign and believe it will complement all the work we are already doing here in Plymouth. “We are doing all we can to change that, working with all our local partners in the health service, community and voluntary sector, and with local schools and businesses. But there is only so much we can do given the current budget constraints so we need all of you to think about your health as well. The council’s work is supported by the Wellbeing team at Livewell Southwest which already gives people the help they need to improve their lifestyle. The council is also working with local businesses and schools as part of the Thrive Plymouth campaign which aims to improve health overall and reduce health inequalities. One You will be a high profile campaign and aims to help adults to move more, eat well, drink less, be smoke free, stress less, check themselves and sleep better. “I’m sure we could all make simple changes in our lives to do some or all of those things differently. Professor Sir Muir Gray, clinical adviser for the One You campaign said: “Many diseases that impact people’s health and shorten their active lives can be prevented. “Currently 42% of adults in midlife are living with at least one long-term health condition which increase their risk of early death and disability. “Although it has been customary to blame people for their ‘lifestyle’ we now appreciate that we need to take into account the environmental pressures that make it difficult to make healthy choices, having to sit eight hours a day at work for example, and then drive an hour home. One You is designed to help every individual identify not only their risks but also the pressures they face in their life and the stress that results, and then support them with personalised tools and advice.” Modern day life makes it hard for people to live healthily, with bigger portions for everything we eat, a desk-bound job or a long commute. One You gives people the chance to reappraise their lifestyle choices, put themselves first and do something about their own health before it’s too late. It will encourage adults to start by taking a new online health quiz called ‘How Are You’. This innovative quiz provides personalised recommendations based on your results and directs people to tools and advice to help them take action
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where it’s most needed. Over half (56%) of 40-60 year olds taking the ‘How Are You’ quiz said they were likely to change their lifestyle to improve their health because of the feedback it gave them. Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer said: “It is important people of all ages feel able to prioritise their health so they can lead long and healthy lives. “We all have the power to shape our future health by making simple and small changes now. One You campaign acknowledges that this can be difficult and is there to help make these changes easier.” Professor Kevin Fenton, national director, Public Health England said: “For the first time, Public
Health England is launching a campaign that talks to adults directly about all of the things they can do to improve their health. The scale of the campaign is unprecedented and includes new public and commercial partnerships with Asda, Slimming World, BBC Get Inspired and the Ministry of Defence. “This will see One You in every community, on every high street, in local health services, on websites and in social media. We want everyone across the country to know that it is never too late to get your health back on track.” From today people will be able to take the ‘How Are You’ online quiz and find more information by searching ‘One You’ online.
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Professor Kelechi Nnoaham, Director of Public Health for Plymouth City Council
HOW ARE YOU?
As the second year of Thrive Plymouth is well underway, and as we continue the I Love Life campaign with the Herald, the launch of the One You campaign is very timely. The One You campaign aims to encourage, empower and enable people to make the right choices. It is your supportive friend, giving advice and support and signposting to local support and services – it is not about pointing the finger but about helping you become healthier in your own time. The ‘How Are You’ app is an easy way for people to take part in the One You programme. It only takes a few minutes to complete and provides helpful advice on small changes that we can all make to improve our health and wellbeing. It’s a really high profile campaign, with adverts on Coronation Street and in national newspapers – you won’t miss it. A range of high profile celebrities will also be using the ‘How Are You’ app and telling their own personal health and wellbeing stories. If you live in Plymouth and want aby support , this will be available via Livewell Southwest’s Wellbeing Team. For the Council, the great thing about One You is that it also confirms that what we are doing in Plymouth already through Thrive Plymouth and I Love Life is the right way forward. Through Thrive Plymouth we are working to address the four lifestyle choices – smoking, drinking, poor diet and inactivity – that lead to four chronic diseases, which together contribute to 54% of deaths in Plymouth. During the first year of Thrive Plymouth we engaged with a wide range of businesses, many of whom have adopted the Workplace Wellbeing Charter, and during the campaign’s second year we are working with local schools. I Love Life is also key to how we communicate about health and wellbeing with you, and you will have seen how other local people have been helped by I Love Life. The taxi drivers last year did a great job of improving their lifestyles with the help of I Love Life, and CATERed who provide catering for a number of schools have also done themselves proud. They will be tough acts to follow but I am sure our own Street Services team will also inspire us all by taking those simple steps that can make all the difference. And at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about – making relatively small changes to your daily routine to help you live a longer and happier life. After all, there is only One You.
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A dozen Plymouth City Council workers have signed up to The Herald’s I Love Life campaign in the hope of making small changes that will make them fitter and happier Name: Paul Cartwright Age: 29 years old Start weight: 14st 6lb Visceral fat: 11 Family: Three children Job title: Civil Enforcement Officer “I used to be unfit and smoked, then I changed my life. I quit smoking seven years ago and I lost four stone. I want to find out how I can improve myself and reach my ultimate fitness. I want to tone my body and improve it. I go to the gym as much as I can and I have done for a while now. It’s always been a big part of my life. I eat really well through the week and then I have one treat day. At a weekend I might have a mixed grill with all the trimmings. On my treat day I might have a huge pizza and a bottle of wine. I might drink a lot once a month but I don’t tend to drink during the week, apart from treat day! I’m just over 14 stone at the moment and ideally I would get down to 13 stone. I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Name: Neil Worth Age: 52 years old Start weight:17st7 Visceral fat: 15 Family: Wife and four children Job title: Street cleansing supervisor “I do get to go out of the office a bit but my job mainly involves sitting at a desk which can cause some problems. I have been doing the job for 13 years. Just before Christmas I decided I needed to do something to become healthier. Retirement is approaching and I want to be fit for my grandchildren. I’m lucky to live on Dartmoor so I do as much walking as I can. I don’t drink at home but I might go out of a weekend and have a few pints in the pub. We occasionally have fish and chips and I like a KFC now and again. I’m 18 stone now and I would love to get down to about 14 stone. I want to be fit – I have five grandchildren and want to be active for them.” Name: Andy Rowe Age: 47 years old Start weight: 12st4 Visceral fat: 11 Family: Step daughter Job title: Refuse driver “I have a problem on my heal at the moment which is quite painful and has meant that I haven't been as active for the last few months. I cycle to work though and I take my dog out for long walks. I try to be as active as I can. I have a pretty healthy diet and will only have take-aways every now and again. I would like to lose a bit of weight, but more than anything I would like to get into a routine where I’m exercising. I’m looking forward to getting started now.”
Name: Carol Wride Age: 52 years old Start weight: 10st 9lbs Visceral fat: 7 Family: Partner Job title: Technical officer, PCC “I do struggle with my weight. I try and stay as fit as I can be and I’m a member of the gym – I don’t do classes though, I just use the gym. I would love to just get some advice about what I can do to get healthier and lose some weight. . I have some problems with my joints so I can’t do as much as I would like. I’m sat at a desk at work so that can be tough. I know how to lose weight, it’s just about doing it – I think I just need some encouragement. I have never done anything like this before. I do have breakfast and lunch but I know I could eat more healthy – I like to have a treat. Crisps are my downfall and we might get a take-away on a Friday or Saturday night. I would like to think I might lose a stone-and-a-half in weight.”
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WELVE willing volunteers who want to improve their health and wellbeing have stepped forward to take on the I Love Life challenge. Plymouth City Council (PCC) staff are the latest group to embark on the programme to improve their own health and inspire others to follow their example. The programme will see the 12 PCC staff take on a six-week programme coordinated by the wellbeing team at Livewell Southwest. They will be taking part in special
Livewell seminars looking at healthy diets, alcohol awareness and increasing their motivation. The team will also be put through their paces by health coach Gavin Seymour, who has already helped to transform previous groups on the programme into fitter, healthier people. The group will try boxing, spinning, running and more as they step closer to their health goals each week. Health coach Gavin Seymour, who will be spurring on the new group and coaching them to their fitter selves, said: “This new project has probably
Name: Julie Miller Age: 47 years old Start weight:10st 9lbs Visceral fat: 6 Family: Husband and two children Job title: Civil Enforcement Officer “I’m really looking forward to a challenge. I’m part of a gym and I go to a cheesy fit class twice a week. I would like to lose a bit of weight. My job involves a lot of walking around which is good. I always make sure I break for lunch and will have something I have made at home. I have cereal for breakfast I am quite bad though and of a weekend we tend to have something take-away. My family are all quite healthy and on a day off we would go for a walk, or go to the beach.
the most diverse group of participants in terms of their ages and health profiles. There are some members of the group who are at serious health risk and need to make lifestyle changes to improve their health whilst other members of the group are already classed as healthy (in terms of fat percentage). “I’m excited about helping the group achieve their lifestyle goals and help them see how healthy improvements to their lifestyle can be made in a sustainable long term way. “The aim is that the sessions are
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Name: Emma McKenzie Johnson Age: 28-year-old Start weight: 9st 8lbs Visceral fat: 2 Family: Wife and dog Job title: Civil Enforcement Officer “I like keeping fit especially after being in the Navy for five years, so I decided to take part to gain muscle. I have an active lifestyle; I run seven kilometres every morning, walk the dog, walk during work and go to the gym. I’ve also done half marathons and triathlons, trekked the Great Wall of China and climbed Machu Picchu. But it’s going to be hard giving up alcohol; I find it’s a good stress reliever. Since getting older and now have more responsibilities it makes you want a bottle of wine at the end of the week.”
Name: Richard Hill Age: 54 years old Start weight: 14st1 Visceral fat: 13 Family: Partner and two dogs Job title: Refuse truck driver “I’m looking for motivation; I sit in a cab and don’t do much exercise. You think about getting fit and going to the gym but don’t do it. I used to be in the Army and very fit but I let it all slide. I hear a lot about diets, but I don’t know what’s right or true; I’m hoping I’ll learn that on this programme too. I am a smoker but I don’t intend to give that up. I do have a drink so I’ll try and stop that through this course and if I don’t miss it then there’s no reason to go back. Weekends are the main problem; lager, crisps, cheese; you name it, we’ll have it on the weekends. I’m hoping this programme will give me something I can do of my own accord when it’s over.” Name: Paul Lynch Age: 30 years old Start weight: 10st 8lbs Visceral fat: 4 Family: Partner and son Job title: Refuse collector “I’m unfit – even though I do a very active job I don’t feel fit or healthy in myself which is massively down to my diet. I haven't had a cigarette for four days now though so I’m struggling at the minute, but I’ve had enough of waking up in the morning and not being able to breathe. I wanted to quit [smoking] when my boy came along. I don’t want to be running around for two minutes and having to sit down when he’s older. I have a fast metabolism so I can eat whatever. When my partner is working in the evening and I’m looking after the boy we’ll get a takeaway.”
enjoyable, everyone receives specific individualised advice and that everyone encourages each other within a positive environment.” Simon Dale, interim assistant director for street services at Plymouth City Council, wished the I Love Life team the best of luck. Simon said: “Our street services staff have some of the most physically demanding jobs of any profession other than sport. “Lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, dragging and manoeuvring into awkward positions underneath vehicles to
repair them are just a few of the stresses staff put themselves through. As you’d expect, muscle strains and back injuries occur quite frequently as a result, but, the absence profile of the workforce also shows that other illnesses are prevalent, particularly in the form of cancers, high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes. “Through this programme, we want to raise awareness and ensure our participants remain fitter and healthier for longer and pass on their experience to colleagues so they’ll consider small changes on the way to healthier lifestyles.
Name: Steve Sayles Age: 56 years old Start weight:19st 2lbs Visceral fat: 19 Family: Wife and two children Job title: Refuse truck driver “Nine years ago I suffered two heart attacks that have caused me a few problems. I used to be a fairly fit and healthy person. II have also suffered an ankle injury which has made it hard to walk and exercise. I’m sat down a lot and don’t exercise as much as I should. I was a Royal Marine for seven years so I used to be super fit. I take a packed lunch to work and have tried eating smaller portions for my evening meal. I used to be a rugby coach and was out running and keeping fit. I don’t drink during the week and I don’t eat that many takeaways.
There’s no truer saying ‘if you’ve not got your health, you’ve got nothing!’” The Herald will continue to follow the PCC staff on a weekly basis as they learn the importance of exercise and a balanced diet to a much brighter and healthier future. ■ For individuals, groups and businesses who are interested in achieving inspiring results, like the PCC group, you can get in touch with Gavin Seymour via www.gavinrseymour.com or phone 07527 009739. Gavin works in the Plymouth area and can adapt classes to individual needs.
Name: Marcus Smowton Age: 46 years old Start weight:11st9 Visceral fat: 8 Family: Partner Job title: Gardener “I have an active role as a gardener; I’m on my feet all day and cover lots of miles with lawnmowers. I’ve been on Slimming World since getting back from a 12 day trek across Machu Picchu last year and have managed to lose four stone and six pounds. But I would like to lose a little more weight and tone up to get rid of the ‘handles’. I didn’t think I had that much [weight] to lose but when I looked at some old photos, my head looked like a bowling ball. I’ve not lost any weight since Christmas but I haven't put any on either-it’s come to a standstill. I’ve always tried to eat healthy but it’s the chocolate; I’ll nip to the shop to get a paper and grab a chocolate bar.
Name: Phil Durrant Age: 42 years old Start weight: 16st 4lbs Visceral fat:15 Family: Cat and two dogs Job title: Civil Enforcement Supervisor “I stopped smoking 18 months ago and then got promoted to a supervisor role, so I think it’s a combination of stopping smoking and going to more of an office job that the weight has piled on. Before I was walking six to eight miles a day quite happily. It would be nice to lose weight – I’m going on holiday to Greece in September and would like to be thinner. My guilty pleasure is lager and lime and cheese and onion crisps. Because I work a shift pattern I tend to buy a lot of ready meals or go to the chippy for tea.” Name: Roger Kerrison Age: 51 years old Start weight: 15st 4lbs Visceral fat: 12 Family: Partner and dog Job title: Civil Enforcement Officer “I’m very unhealthy and overweight; I smoke so I’m giving up as of today. It’s got to the point where I’ve started to feel my health is suffering It’s not the lack of exercise as I walk an average of 15 kilometres a day in my job; it’s the poor diet and fatty foods that are my downfall. I’m a heavy smoker too; I smoke around 50 cigarettes a day. I want to be fit and healthy, not muscular, I just need a kick start. Since last year I can feel that I’m unhealthy – it’s time to do something.” ■ See Roger’s results on the How Are You quiz on Page 11
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oger Laughton needs a new nickname because the previous “salad dodger” has lost an astonishing 11 and a half stone since joining the I Love Life programme just ten months ago. Roger, 47, was 29 stone when he took on The Herald’s six-week challenge run by the wellbeing team at Livewell Southwest and now he admits he is half the man he once was after completely transforming his lifestyle. “It’s great! I feel brilliant,” he said. The father-of-two has been a taxi driver for Need A Cab for the last six years and late nights and binge eating didn’t help his weight. But thanks to the help of health coach, Gavin Seymour, Roger has prolonged his life. He said: “When I had my last body comp results I felt even better than the first time I had them. I had a tear in my eye again and it made me feel really proud. “I never thought I would lose as much weight as I have as quickly as I have. I thought it was all going to be even harder than it has been. “I have worked hard and I have struggled to get this far but I have kept going.” When Roger first started the I Love Life programme he was unable to touch his toes, something he can now do, and spent most his time sat in his cab - he is now exercising at least once a day. “I try and go to the gym every day and just do an hour in there - I will mix it up between Morgan’s and Crownhill Fort and do sessions with Gavin,” he said. No longer is Roger having a take-away for dinner most evenings. He said: “I am still eating lots of fish, chicken and vegetables. I’m drinking lots of water which I didn’t do before. I’m not bored of it yet!
HOW ARE YOU?
Jane Paylor, 49, from Brixham said: “I definitely need to eat more fruit and veg. “I’ve got to lose weight; I have lost some, but I need to eat more healthily- it’s a big issue.
“I want to reach 15 stone and I’m determined to do it. I’ve only got four and a half stone to go. I’m loving it!” For many a lack of time can be their excuse to not exercising but Roger is a shining example that anyone can make time to keep fit and healthy. “I make time to go to the gym - you get plenty of time in a day to be able to go to the gym and work,” he said, “I work nights so I get in at 6am, go to bed until about 11am and then I get up and do what I need to do - I find time to go to the gym then. It’s only an hour a day - it doesn’t take much effort to fit that in. “All my friends think it’s fantastic! I’m half the man I used to be.” And anything you are missing? “Sometimes I will walk past a fish and chip shop and be tempted by the smell but I will buy my own fish and cook it at home without the batter and then just have some veg with it.” Roger’s change in diet and exercise regime has also meant he is more proactive at work. He said: “I’m so much fitter now at work, when I’m walking around, or carrying shopping bags for the people I pick up. I’m doing exercises now that I never thought I would be able to do. I can bend down and touch my toes now which I was never able to do before. “I’m having to buy new clothes. I’m going to a wedding in a few weeks so I will need to buy a new suit. I’m now able to go into shops and get clothes, rather than ordering online, and that’s been great and makes everything a lot easier.”
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How you are? The Herald asked the people of Plymouth how they feel about their health and lifestyle
April Wagner, assistant manager at Friends Hair Studio said: “I would say I have quite a healthy lifestyle, we have a dog who gets good walked every day and we eat healthily.” The 22-year-old who lives on the Hoe added: “I’ve just joined the gym too and only drink alcohol on occasions. “On a scale of 1-10, I’d say I was a healthy seven.”
Leigh John from Milehouse eats healthily but has found stress has affected his quality of life recently. “I don’t drink enough water which is a big thing,” the 58-year-old said. “I’ve also been going for regular checks at the doctors now; I’m at an age where I’m more aware and make sure I get a health check every year. “As I’ve been under a lot of stress recently, I've had to learn to relax and find ways to reduce it. “We eat healthy- things like pasta and salads, but do sometimes have a treat.”
Mother and son, Jean and Gary Lambert from Laira have very contrasting lifestyles. 71-year-old Jean, who has suffered from a heart problem for 25 years said: “I can’t do a lot to improve on my health as I’m on heart and blood tablets. “I have to just let it all take its course, but I’ve always had a healthy diet.” 45-year-old Gary added: “I’m fine- I don’t go to the gym and I eat what I fancy at the time, I have takeaways like kebabs or a burgers.”
The Herald, Monday March 7 2016
I Love Life volunteers Roger ‘Salad Dodger’ Laughton and Mike Davies have seen amazing results since starting the programme run by the wellbeing team at Livewell Southwest. But it’s not just their weight which they have changed. Emily Smith reports
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Cath Clough decided to kick her smoking habit five years ago and hasn't looked back since in a bid to improve her health. The 64-year-old who works as a shop manager said: “My health has gone from bad to worse to better. “I was a smoker; it was my guilty pleasure for a lot of years. But I gave up five years ago- I thought ‘I’m killing myself’, so I looked at them one night and just thew them away. “I’m fine now; I’ve suffered with COPD for a lot of years but other than that I’m fine. “I’ve been trying to retire for three years but haven't yet!”
Nicky Ormond from Plympton thinks her health to be around an eight on a scale of 1-10 (one being not healthy at all.) The 46-year-old said: “I eat reasonably, I don’t exercise loads but I’m on the go all the time. “I don’t drink or smoke; it’s everything else in moderation.” Mark Loton from Saltash enjoys exercising but
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HEN Mike Davis volunteered for the I Love Life programme nine months ago he weighed more than 19 stone and smoked almost 20 cigarettes a day. Now the father-of-one is three stone lighter and about to take on a 5k assault course. Before Mike started the eight-week challenge, he had not had exercise since his days running around a school football field. But thanks to the help of health coach Gavin Seymour he is feeling happier and healthier than ever. He said: “It wasn’t until I got a before and after photo up on Facebook that I thought ‘wow – that’s what I used to look like.’ “I feel completely different. Never in a million light years would I imagine that I wouldn’t be smoking or had lost this much weight. In less than 12 months I have lost almost three stone and I would never have dreamed that would happen.” Mike’s motivation for joining The Herald’s lifestyle campaign was because he wanted to be fit for his then, unborn son. Now Henry is seven months old and Mike couldn’t be happier with the way he is feeling. “I quit smoking to become a dad and I feel fantastic for doing that,” he said. “I’m not going to lie – it has been difficult and I have had to allow my body to flush out all the toxins after smoking for 10 years - but it’s been great. “I would never have dreamed of doing a 45-minute personal training session with Gavin. He has moulded me into something great. My partner thinks I have some kind of open relationship with him! “There is still a long way to go and I have a mountain to climb but the view from the top of that mountain is going to be the best thing ever. “I was in the gym for three hours the other day and I actually burst out crying. Gavin texted me and asked me how many calories I had burnt on the bike. It used to take me an hour to do 500 and I had managed to do that in half an hour. It made me really emotional to realise how far I have come.” Although Mike has lost almost three stone, he is still struggling with his weight but admits Gavin is teaching him the hard way. He said: “I have had to learn the hard way in terms of diet! Gavin is measuring my waist every time I see him and if I have put on weight then I have to do 50 burpees – but I have to do them in three minutes. If I don’t he makes me do another 10! “I’m a sucker for chocolate and before I know it the whole bar has gone. It’s great to have a treat every now and again but you can’t go overboard on anything. “I have gone for a run every day for the last two weeks and every time I try and go a little bit further.” The 30-year-old is taking on Exeter’s Rock Solid race at the end of March and is raising money for the National Kidney Foundation and Macmillan Cancer. Mike’s mum has suffered with kidney failure which has meant she had to retire early. “I never thought I would be able to do something like that. I’m not coming home until I’ve got a medal!” he laughs. “The best bit of that whole race will be getting out of the mud at the end!” ■ To support Mike in his challenge you can donate money here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MichaelDavis6
does binge drink occasionally. The 40-year-old said: “I ran eight miles this morning; I enjoy exercising but my eating isn't great-that’s just the way it is. “I do binge drink, not every weekendmore like once a month, if that.”
Mike Davies wanted to lose weight to be healthier for his young family
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The Herald, Monday March 7 2016
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I Love Life Health Coach Gavin Seymour suggests three exercises anyone can do at home. His assistants are two members of Plymouth City Council I Love Life team. Roger Kerrison demonstrates the beginner starting movements while Paul Cartwright demonstrates the intermediate moves. The aim is that these three simple exercises can inspire you to get moving and become more active
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Press-ups are a fantastic exercise that if done correctly can challenge your core and also strengthen your chest, tricep and shoulder muscles. Roger demonstrates a WALL PRESS-UP; this variation of a press-up is a beginner option and it involves leaning into the wall and pushing yourself back away from the wall. Position your hands out wide and in line with your chest. Paul demonstrates a PRESS-UP; this variation of a press-up is an intermediate option and it involves pushing yourself away from the floor. Position your hands out wide and in line with your chest, aim to lower to around 90 degrees in your elbows if possible before pushing up and try to keep your hip in line during the movement.
WALL MOUNTAIN CLIMBER
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Mountain climbers are a brilliant exercise which, if done correctly, can challenge your core and build your fitness. Roger demonstrates a WALL MOUNTAIN CLIMBER; this variation is a beginner option and it involves leaning against a wall and lifting one knee up at a time. Paul demonstrates a MOUNTAIN CLIMBER; this variation of a mountain climber is an intermediate option and requires moving your knees in one at a time from a floor position. Aim to keep your hip in line during the movement. The faster the movement the more challenging it becomes.
Jacks or Star jumps are a great cardiovascular exercise that if done correctly can build your fitness. Roger demonstrates a HALF JACK; this variation of a star jump is a beginner option and it involves bringing the leg and arm on one side out laterally and then back in, before repeating on the other side. Paul demonstrates a FULL JACK; this variation of a star jump is an intermediate option and it requires you to move both arms and legs out laterally at the same time before bringing them back in and repeating. The faster and higher you go (with arms and in jump) the more challenging the movement.
MOUNTAIN CLIMBER
Gavin says: You should do a simple warm-up before these exercises and also include additional exercises into your session Gavin R Seymour. com to work your full body and every muscle You can adapt the exercises to your individual needs and fitness (check with your doctor if you are unsure if you can begin light exercise). For more information about exercises to build fitness and muscular strength contact Gavin. For individuals, groups or businesses, who are interested in achieving inspiring results and reaching a specific fat loss goal or movement objective, Gavin works in the Plymouth area taking seminars and exercise sessions (which can be adapted to your needs). You can contact Gavin via www.gavinrseymour.com or 07527009739.
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Plymouth Community Healthcare has rebranded to Livewell Southwest. Our organisation has grown and, today, we are providing an ever-expanding range of services, across a growing geography, that now include social care as well as health. Our new identity has been created to reflect this growth while remaining true to our roots as part of the NHS family. For information on the services we deliver visit:
www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk Would you like to work for an exciting, forward thinking health and social care organisation? We are one of the largest social enterprises in the UK delivering health and social care services. As an organisation, we are gaining national and international attention for the work that we do, providing a unique and growing range of services in the South West of England. The geographical scope of the organisation has grown to include the delivery of community health services in South Hams and West Devon and adult social care services in Plymouth. To support the growth of our organisation we have vacancies across health and social care services and are seeking enthusiastic people to come and join us. Visit www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk to view a list of our latest vacancies.
Are you feeling low, anxious or depressed? If you live in Plymouth and are aged 16 years or over, you can self-refer to Plymouth Options, your local anxiety and depression service that can support you to manage depression, anxiety, stress, OCD, phobias and life pressures. Call us on 01752 435419 or download a referral form from: www.plymouthoptions.com Alternatively you can talk to your GP or other health and social care professionals who are able to send a referral on your behalf.
Would you like support and advice to live a healthier life? Our wellbeing team offer information, support and advice to help promote healthier lifestyles for people living in Plymouth, including free activities for all the family. Making small changes can have big results. For more information call 01752 437177 or Email: livewell@nhs.net
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The Herald, Monday March 7 2016
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Barrington Sowden
roving age is no barrier when it comes to staying fit and healthy is 61-year-old personal trainer, Barrington Sowden. Barrington is keen to get everyone up and moving and think’s The Herald’s I Love Life programme is a perfect way to do that. Former Royal Navy personal trainer, Barrington has always been fit and he is keen to make people aware that although you may no longer be a spring chicken – exercise won’t do anyone any harm. He said: “The greatest misconception people have about the process of aging is that it’s synonymous with illness and disability. It’s true that chronic conditions such as heart disease are more common as we move up in years. “Many would say that the quality of life depends to a large degree on being able to do what you want, without pain and for as long as possible. “We should all be now working towards postponing the entry into the disability zone. Exercise is the key to a healthy and rewarding life in later years.” Barrington works with clients that are aged 40 plus. He admits that the success to a healthy life is to keep moving – even if that means stretching your legs when you are sat watching TV on the sofa. But the fitness fanatic does admit that he has a rather healthy diet – which involves plenty of steamed fish and veg
and lots of hot water. But he is the first to admit he takes it to the extreme – just little movements will prolong life. “Even small changes in muscular development can make a big difference in strength. Slightly improved muscle strength can be all it takes to improve one’s ability to do things like carrying the groceries, getting up from a chair or climbing the stairs,” he said. “Flexibility is also critical to improve someone’s level of health. The ability to perform activities of daily living is greatly enhanced when one regularly engages in daily stretching exercises.” Although Barrington doesn’t work with a huge number of clients – he has transformed the lives of those he has worked with. He said: “I have worked with a client who had a number of debilitating conditions like arthritis in her knees, hip, neck, spine, hand, ankle and toes which inhibited her from climbing stairs unaided. “Without leaving her front room I was able to prescribe exercises to enable her to do the things she wanted without the use of aids and surprise her doctors who advised her to continue with whatever it is she had been doing.” For further information on simple functional exercises contact Barrington S o w d e n a t b a r r i n g t o n @ a c tivelife.me.uk
Builder James Francis is a staunch advocate of exercising
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Building strength is key
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any factors of life could result in lack of exercise but business owner James Francis believes nothing should stand in the way of leading a healthy life-
style. James is the owner of Modbury-based business Mr Builder Co. As a builder, the 32-year-old feels it’s important that he stays fit and healthy to avoid accidents and lack of energy on site and his 10 staff have the same outlook on life. He said: “All my builders look the same! I personally think if people don’t look after themselves then that corresponds in their work. “A lot of the guys who work for me go to the gym and they care about their health. A lot of them play football or do crossfit like me. They are a fairly active bunch. “When I take on new staff I make sure they are fit
and healthy. I’ve just taken on two apprentices and they both play rugby.” James is a dad to two young boys and a young business owner but he also finds the time to attend a crossfit session at the gym at least four times a week. He believes everyone should have the time to want to prolong their life through exercise. “I think it’s a load of rubbish when people say they don’t have time to exercise,” he said, “on an average day I will be doing around 20,000 steps on site, if I’m in the office that might only be about 8,000 – but I will make sure I go to the gym and train on those days. I can complete 3,000 steps in an hour-and-a-half and anyone can do that. “It just comes down to priorities and about taking time out to do what you think is important. You just need to find the time to fit training in and you will feel so much better if you do that. don’t think there is any excuse not to do any exercise.”
The Herald, Monday March 7 2016
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HOW ARE YOU? CIVIL Enforcement Officer Roger Kerrison, 51, is one of the first people in the country to have tried the new “HOW ARE YOU?” quiz. This innovative quiz provides personalised recommendations based on your results and directs you to the tools and advice you need to take take action where it’s most needed. Roger, who admits to smoking and having an unhealthy, diet, knew the quiz would highlight these areas. Roger, who is part of our latest I Love Life group, is hoping to tackle these issues as part of the programme. We’ll be following his progress and asking him to re-take the “HOW ARE YOU?” quiz at regular intervals through the programme. We are interested to see the results!
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HOW ARE YOU? In our adult years, the lifestyle choices we make can dramatically increase our chances of becoming ill later in life. Making small changes now can improve your health right away and double your chances of staying healthy as you get older. It’s never too late to start. Search One You and take the free health quiz to see how you score.
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