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Loving Life in 2016
Our mission for healthy A
CAMPAIGN to make Plymouth healthier and happier is back for its third year. The I Love Life initiative aims to promote health and wellbeing as well as tackling the health inequalities across the city by inspiring people to make healthy lifestyles choices. Working in partnership with lead sponsor Livewell SouthWest and supported by Plymouth City Council, the University of St Mark & St John and Plymouth Community Homes, The Herald will be sharing as much help and support as is practically possible over the next twelve months. And we’ll also be tracking the progress of 12 volunteers who have signed up for seven-week I Love Life programme which has seen staggering results in the past, with a number of previous candidates losing more than two stone in less than two months. A group of 12 CATERed staff have taken on the challenge this year, hoping to improve their overall health, fitness and wellbeing, as well as improving the lives of their family and friends. It is hoped the final results of the 12 willing volunteers will have lasting effects on the rest of Plymouth. To date, there is a considerable life expectancy gap between different communities in Plymouth. For example someone living in Eggbuckland could be expected to live until 81 years old, whereas in Devonport it could be as young as 73. Editor of The Herald Paul Burton said: “The I Love Life Campaign aims to help our readers develop healthy habits which they can stick to for life. “The message is that making positive changes can help you to feel good right now – as well as avoiding ill health in the future. “We’re encouraging everyone to commit to one small positive change and prove to themselves that what they want to achieve is possible.” Professor Kelechi Nnoaham, Director of Public Health, Plymouth City Council, said he hoped to provide help and advice to help
and happy city
For the third year running The Herald is running its I Love Life campaign aimed at improving the health and happiness of the people of Plymouth. Emily Smith reports
In partnership with
STEPPING OUT: Walkers take part in a charity effort on the stunning Plymouth Hoe
people make better lifestyle choices through the I Love Life campaign. “we will also hear from local people in Plymouth who have improved their health and wellbeing by taking simple steps – for example, members of the CaterED team who have signed up for the I Love Life challenge. We want to make the healthy choice the easy choice for people. Professor Nnoaham said there were four lifestyle behaviours - smoking, drinking, inactivity and diet - that lead to four chronic diseases – cancer, heart disease, stroke and respiratory
disease – that together cause 54 per cent of deaths in Plymouth. “But individuals can help change that and over the coming weeks and months, as we will be showcasing through I Love Life, you can take small steps to make the big changes in your life,” he said. Plymouth Community Healthcare has played an integral part in improving people’s health across the city. Today they mark the start of a new journey as they change their name to Livewell Southwest.
Welcome Professor Kelechi Nnoaham, Director of Public Health, Plymouth City Council, looks at the health challenges facing Plymouth and how the I Love Life campaign will help
W
structure of ‘multidisciplinary’ care, with
Steve both health and social care Waite, professionals working together as one team. chief Since April 2015, we have integrated our executive, community crisis response team, acute Livewell care at home service, integrated hospital discharge service, substance South misuse and alcohol service and learning disability service and developed the West
and will provide people with a better experience of health and social care, centred around their needs, and provided at home wherever possible. In Plymouth, our organisation is at the forefront of integrating adult health and social care and our new name, Livewell Southwest, has been driven in part through the expansion of the organisation’s offering to include social care. New services are being developed and existing services are being remodelled to deliver care for people under a new
Supported by
Supported by
Welcome from our lead sponsor Plymouth Community Healthcare has supported the I Love Life campaign since its inception in 2014. We are proud to be doing so again this year. The new year brings with it a new name for Plymouth Community Healthcare as we rebrand to become Livewell Southwest. The new name reflects the growth and development of the organisation as a leader in health and social care provision in the South West of England. When we formed our Community Interest Company in 2011, Plymouth Community Healthcare was the perfect name for us as it clearly described what we did. Our organisation has grown and, today, we are providing an everexpanding 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. Developing and delivering ‘integrated’ services As a result of the Health & Social Care Act 2014 and the Care Act 2014, health and social care services are being brought together into one integrated service that will ensure people receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place. Integrated services will be more efficient
In partnership with
new Robin community assessment hub. Each of these services now includes social care professionals including occupational therapists and social workers alongside medical professionals to provide a coordinated and efficient service to people within their care. Building teams that include health and social care professionals working side by side means we can manage people’s care needs more effectively, reduce acute hospital admissions, minimise the duplication of assessments and, most importantly, deliver better quality care. Ultimately, we are here to help people to live well – delivering care in an integrated way helps us to do that more effectively. Our rebrand to Livewell Southwest reflects that supporting people to be safe, well and at home is at the heart of everything we do.
Sign up now to LIVEWELL SOUTHWEST has plenty of activities to get you in the mood for a fitter, healthier and more positive about life for 2016. Whether you want to lose weight or quit smoking Livewell Southwest has the expertise and space to help you.
10% Club If you need a little inspiration to get in the swing of things and try to lose some weight - then the 10% club is the place for you. This free 12-week programme will prove lasting changes to your body and lifestyle choices. The 10% Club is a 12-week programme where you can aim to lose ten per cent of your body weight with the help and guidance of Livewell practitioners. ■ Sessions with available spaces are being held on Tuesday, January 12 from 10am to 11:30am at Ernesettle
lose weight and quit smoking
Primary Care Centre; Wednesday, January 13, 6pm to 7.30pm at the Cumberland Centre; Thursday, January 14, 1.30pm to 3pm at Wycliffe Surgery.
the GP was given a leaflet advertising the Livewell Stop Smoking Service. Sandra suffers from emphysema and thought she would try to quit smoking for one last time using the service.
For more information and to book a place, contact Livewell on 01752 437177 or email livewell@nhs.net
She said: “I got on really well with my advisor which made my quit attempt so much easier. I used patches and a spray during my quit and I can’t believe how much better I feel. It works!
Stop Smoking Service There are a number of health risks with smoking, including heart disease, lung cancer and higher risks of having a stroke. Why not make 2016 the year you ditch the fags? Sandra Connolly, pictured right, managed to quit smoking with the help of Livewell’s service and she says she feels a million times better. Sandra had tried to quit smoking eight times since 2009 and after a trip to see
“I would definitely recommend giving up and not to give up trying. “I can breathe much more easily and can now walk more, as well as faster and I don’t have to stop as much to catch my breath. “My cravings are gone and I now put my 25 a day habit into savings for the family and towards my holiday. “I’m persuading all my friends to use the Livewell service.” Livewell offers free help and advice to those who would like to quit smoking. You are four times more likely to quit successfully using support from
Livewell than by going it alone. ■ Clinics: Thursday, 4:307pm at Central Library, Saturday, 10am-12:30pm and 1:30-3:30pm at Cumberland Centre.
For more information and to book a place, contact Livewell on 01752 437177 or email livewell@nhs.net
elcome to the launch of I Love Life 2016. With a new year comes new opportunities and the potential to make changes in your life; the aim of this campaign is to help you do just that. Through I Love Life we hope to provide you with the information and advice to help you make healthier lifestyle choices. We want to make the healthy choice the easy choice. We will also hear from local people who have improved their health and wellbeing by taking simple steps - for example, members of the CaterED Team who have signed up for the I Love Life challenge. CaterEd are the local school meals cooperative, jointly owned by 67 local schools and Plymouth City Council. There is currently a considerable gap in life expectancy between different communities in Plymouth. Closing that gap is crucial to the city thriving and an outstanding quality of life being enjoyed by everyone. Plymouth City Council is responsible for public health in Plymouth and has a ten year plan to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities in the city. This plan involves working with partners and communities to support positive health-enabling choices. Everyone, public sector organisations, private sector employers and individuals, has a role to play. The seemingly insignificant choices we make have a major impact on the things we all care about. The things that cause us the most ill health largely result from the choices we make – what we eat and drink, whether we smoke, or how physically active we are. In Plymouth we know that there are four lifestyle behaviours – smoking, drinking, inactivity and diet – that lead to four chronic diseases – cancer, heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease – that together cause 54% of deaths. But you can help change that and over the coming weeks and months we will be showcasing, through I Love Life, the various ways you can take small steps to make the big changes in your life. I wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year.
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2 I Love Life 41
Our mission for healthy A
CAMPAIGN to make Plymouth healthier and happier is back for its third year. The I Love Life initiative aims to promote health and wellbeing as well as tackling the health inequalities across the city by inspiring people to make healthy lifestyles choices. Working in partnership with lead sponsor Livewell SouthWest and supported by Plymouth City Council, the University of St Mark & St John and Plymouth Community Homes, The Herald will be sharing as much help and support as is practically possible over the next twelve months. And we’ll also be tracking the progress of 12 volunteers who have signed up for seven-week I Love Life programme which has seen staggering results in the past, with a number of previous candidates losing more than two stone in less than two months. A group of 12 CATERed staff have taken on the challenge this year, hoping to improve their overall health, fitness and wellbeing, as well as improving the lives of their family and friends. It is hoped the final results of the 12 willing volunteers will have lasting effects on the rest of Plymouth. To date, there is a considerable life expectancy gap between different communities in Plymouth. For example someone living in Eggbuckland could be expected to live until 81 years old, whereas in Devonport it could be as young as 73. Editor of The Herald Paul Burton said: “The I Love Life Campaign aims to help our readers develop healthy habits which they can stick to for life. “The message is that making positive changes can help you to feel good right now – as well as avoiding ill health in the future. “We’re encouraging everyone to commit to one small positive change and prove to themselves that what they want to achieve is possible.” Professor Kelechi Nnoaham, Director of Public Health, Plymouth City Council, said he hoped to provide help and advice to help
and happy city
For the third year running The Herald is running its I Love Life campaign aimed at improving the health and happiness of the people of Plymouth. Emily Smith reports
In partnership with
STEPPING OUT: Walkers take part in a charity effort on the stunning Plymouth Hoe
people make better lifestyle choices through the I Love Life campaign. “we will also hear from local people in Plymouth who have improved their health and wellbeing by taking simple steps – for example, members of the CaterED team who have signed up for the I Love Life challenge. We want to make the healthy choice the easy choice for people. Professor Nnoaham said there were four lifestyle behaviours - smoking, drinking, inactivity and diet - that lead to four chronic diseases – cancer, heart disease, stroke and respiratory
disease – that together cause 54 per cent of deaths in Plymouth. “But individuals can help change that and over the coming weeks and months, as we will be showcasing through I Love Life, you can take small steps to make the big changes in your life,” he said. Plymouth Community Healthcare has played an integral part in improving people’s health across the city. Today they mark the start of a new journey as they change their name to Livewell Southwest.
Welcome Professor Kelechi Nnoaham, Director of Public Health, Plymouth City Council, looks at the health challenges facing Plymouth and how the I Love Life campaign will help
W
structure of ‘multidisciplinary’ care, with
Steve both health and social care Waite, professionals working together as one team. chief Since April 2015, we have integrated our executive, community crisis response team, acute Livewell care at home service, integrated hospital discharge service, substance South misuse and alcohol service and learning disability service and developed the West
and will provide people with a better experience of health and social care, centred around their needs, and provided at home wherever possible. In Plymouth, our organisation is at the forefront of integrating adult health and social care and our new name, Livewell Southwest, has been driven in part through the expansion of the organisation’s offering to include social care. New services are being developed and existing services are being remodelled to deliver care for people under a new
Supported by
Supported by
Welcome from our lead sponsor Plymouth Community Healthcare has supported the I Love Life campaign since its inception in 2014. We are proud to be doing so again this year. The new year brings with it a new name for Plymouth Community Healthcare as we rebrand to become Livewell Southwest. The new name reflects the growth and development of the organisation as a leader in health and social care provision in the South West of England. When we formed our Community Interest Company in 2011, Plymouth Community Healthcare was the perfect name for us as it clearly described what we did. Our organisation has grown and, today, we are providing an everexpanding 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. Developing and delivering ‘integrated’ services As a result of the Health & Social Care Act 2014 and the Care Act 2014, health and social care services are being brought together into one integrated service that will ensure people receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place. Integrated services will be more efficient
In partnership with
new Robin community assessment hub. Each of these services now includes social care professionals including occupational therapists and social workers alongside medical professionals to provide a coordinated and efficient service to people within their care. Building teams that include health and social care professionals working side by side means we can manage people’s care needs more effectively, reduce acute hospital admissions, minimise the duplication of assessments and, most importantly, deliver better quality care. Ultimately, we are here to help people to live well – delivering care in an integrated way helps us to do that more effectively. Our rebrand to Livewell Southwest reflects that supporting people to be safe, well and at home is at the heart of everything we do.
Sign up now to LIVEWELL SOUTHWEST has plenty of activities to get you in the mood for a fitter, healthier and more positive about life for 2016. Whether you want to lose weight or quit smoking Livewell Southwest has the expertise and space to help you.
10% Club If you need a little inspiration to get in the swing of things and try to lose some weight - then the 10% club is the place for you. This free 12-week programme will prove lasting changes to your body and lifestyle choices. The 10% Club is a 12-week programme where you can aim to lose ten per cent of your body weight with the help and guidance of Livewell practitioners. ■ Sessions with available spaces are being held on Tuesday, January 12 from 10am to 11:30am at Ernesettle
lose weight and quit smoking
Primary Care Centre; Wednesday, January 13, 6pm to 7.30pm at the Cumberland Centre; Thursday, January 14, 1.30pm to 3pm at Wycliffe Surgery.
the GP was given a leaflet advertising the Livewell Stop Smoking Service. Sandra suffers from emphysema and thought she would try to quit smoking for one last time using the service.
For more information and to book a place, contact Livewell on 01752 437177 or email livewell@nhs.net
She said: “I got on really well with my advisor which made my quit attempt so much easier. I used patches and a spray during my quit and I can’t believe how much better I feel. It works!
Stop Smoking Service There are a number of health risks with smoking, including heart disease, lung cancer and higher risks of having a stroke. Why not make 2016 the year you ditch the fags? Sandra Connolly, pictured right, managed to quit smoking with the help of Livewell’s service and she says she feels a million times better. Sandra had tried to quit smoking eight times since 2009 and after a trip to see
“I would definitely recommend giving up and not to give up trying. “I can breathe much more easily and can now walk more, as well as faster and I don’t have to stop as much to catch my breath. “My cravings are gone and I now put my 25 a day habit into savings for the family and towards my holiday. “I’m persuading all my friends to use the Livewell service.” Livewell offers free help and advice to those who would like to quit smoking. You are four times more likely to quit successfully using support from
Livewell than by going it alone. ■ Clinics: Thursday, 4:307pm at Central Library, Saturday, 10am-12:30pm and 1:30-3:30pm at Cumberland Centre.
For more information and to book a place, contact Livewell on 01752 437177 or email livewell@nhs.net
elcome to the launch of I Love Life 2016. With a new year comes new opportunities and the potential to make changes in your life; the aim of this campaign is to help you do just that. Through I Love Life we hope to provide you with the information and advice to help you make healthier lifestyle choices. We want to make the healthy choice the easy choice. We will also hear from local people who have improved their health and wellbeing by taking simple steps - for example, members of the CaterED Team who have signed up for the I Love Life challenge. CaterEd are the local school meals cooperative, jointly owned by 67 local schools and Plymouth City Council. There is currently a considerable gap in life expectancy between different communities in Plymouth. Closing that gap is crucial to the city thriving and an outstanding quality of life being enjoyed by everyone. Plymouth City Council is responsible for public health in Plymouth and has a ten year plan to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities in the city. This plan involves working with partners and communities to support positive health-enabling choices. Everyone, public sector organisations, private sector employers and individuals, has a role to play. The seemingly insignificant choices we make have a major impact on the things we all care about. The things that cause us the most ill health largely result from the choices we make – what we eat and drink, whether we smoke, or how physically active we are. In Plymouth we know that there are four lifestyle behaviours – smoking, drinking, inactivity and diet – that lead to four chronic diseases – cancer, heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease – that together cause 54% of deaths. But you can help change that and over the coming weeks and months we will be showcasing, through I Love Life, the various ways you can take small steps to make the big changes in your life. I wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year.
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‘You can hit your New Year ambitions’ January Supported by
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Former Olympic swimming star Sharron Davies says the I Love Life scheme is in tune with her own endeavours to inspire better lives. She shares her motivation secrets with Mike Bramhall
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s a swimming superstar, Westcountry sports icon Sharron Davies grew up on a gruelling training regime that propelled her to world class status. But now, as a 53-year-old mum-ofthree, she has some comforting words of wisdom for those of us who have slightly less lofty ambitions. Across the South West, men, women and some youngsters too will be wondering how, or indeed if, they can achieve their New Year’s resolution to shape up, get more active and shed excess pounds. For many confirmed couch potatoes, or those with busy lives, it might seem like Mission Impossible. But the Olympic and Commonwealth medal-winner and former TV gladiator has a reassuring and inspiring message: “You can do it.” Plymouth-born Sharron still lives a hectic lifestyle, combining being a working mum with her own keep fit regime while preparing to launch her own fitness and health consultancy. But she said: “Everyone can take simple steps to improve their health and fitness levels. You don’t have to be an athlete or go on crazy diets – just be realistic. “Yo-yo dieting and embarking on a fitness programme you can’t keep up is no good for you. It won’t work in the long run. “Taking in a ludicrously low amount of calories does nothing for your body. You have to be patient. What you should really be doing is to introduce healthy eating which you can stick with forever.” The festive blow-out will have left many feeling bloated and lethargic, and some people may decide to embark on a drastic training programme. But Sharron, who last summer spent eight weeks on a physical training course, warned against aiming the fitness bar too high. She said: “Lots of people will go mad for a few weeks, and throw themselves
into a punishing training regime. But they will end up with aches and pains, do it for three weeks then decide they have had enough. “It is far better to ease yourself in and do something regularly, which you can gradually build up. “Find something you enjoy, and try to find somebody you can do it with. You will find you encourage each other along, and you are less likely to drop out because you won’t want to let your friend down. “It is about committing to exercise and making it part of your life. Set the pattern in the initial six weeks and you will find it easier. “Gyms are great because you have to report in, and they can help monitor your progress. Personal trainers are too. They can help with devising a specific programme for you and they bring discipline to the table. “Mentoring can really work, but you don’t have to go down that route. You can do it yourself; it is all about creating frameworks and targets, and making sensible efforts you can stick with.” Keeping a check on food and drink intake is also key to a slimmer, fitter you. Sharron said: “A lot of people forget just how many calories are in drinks, not just those with alcohol. I would love it if the government did something about removing unnecessary sugar from food and drinks. So much seems to be laced with it. “When you are relaxing and having fun with your family, perhaps having some drinks, eating and tucking into the sweets it is a recipe for disaster.” Sharron’s own exercise routine when she was growing up in Plympton was rather more than a gentle exercise on the way to school. At 11 she was selected for the British
Sharron’s top tips ■ Being aware of what you are eating and drinking is important, said Sharron – but so too is when you have your meals. She said: “Try not to eat too late – perhaps no later than 7pm. If possible, try to bring your evening mealtime forward. ■ It is also a good idea to eat your food from smaller plates – either a three-quarter size dinner plate or a side plate. Our food portions tend to be way above the national recommendations, but most people are just not aware of it. ■ It is important to keep your body active. It is like having a car which you spend a lot of time cleaning and polishing, but never drive. When you do eventually come to start it up, it won’t go. ■ If you catch the bus, get off a stop earlier than you have to then walk the rest of the way. ■ Don’t use escalators – use the stairs wherever you can. Exercise is good for strengthening our bones and the body’s structure, so don’t take the lazy option. ■ It is all about doing little things, which when you put them together can make a big difference. Start small and build from there; it is all about changing your attitude rather than embarking on a crazy diet. ■ f you like cycling, then join a club. If you like swimming, try and do that regularly. ■ There are lots of activities you can do. Make use of the internet to find out more about things that interest you. Or why not research people who have lost a lot of weight, then find out how they did it? ■ Dogs are perfect for making us get out of our chairs and take them for walks. And use the internet to find out how you can devise your own exercise circuit at home. ■ Use cans of beans to do curl exercises; or check out where you can do press-ups. We have all got time to do it, it is just finding it. After the kids have gone to bed, do it then. ■ There are ways around every problem. I have a really bad knee – I’ve had nine operations on it. But if I don’t go cycling three times a week it swells up. It is all about maintaining what you have got.” swim team for the 1976 Montreal Olympics, where she competed aged 13. Her career haul of medals included two Commonwealth Games golds, and a silver in the Moscow 1980 Olympics, and she has followed that up with a successful TV career. Sharron said: “The South West is a fantastic place to live if you want to be active. There are the moors for rambling and hill running, the sea and all the things you can do on the beach and in the water. Or just get out in the fresh air and enjoy a walk.”
10 ingredient swaps to make your winter cooking healthier 1. Love your labels Food labels can seem a bit boring, but they are the best way of checking what you're eating as they can tell you what's hidden inside the food. Once you know what how to use them, you'll soon be able to make healthier choices when you're shopping. 2. Be calorie smart Counting calories doesn't have to mean you're on a diet! They are a really handy way of helping you choose balanced meals each day, and not eating more than your body needs. 3. Eatwell plate The eatwell plate is a brilliant idea it helps you eat a balanced diet by showing you how much of what type of food to eat at each meal.
Simple! 4. Share packaged foods Many foods and drinks are packaged for two adults sharing, so if you’re eating by yourself avoid temptation and save some for later. Don’t give a whole one to a child - let them share a bag of crisps, or save some. 5. Eat a little slower It takes time for our brains to register we’re full, so try to eat more slowly. If you’re eating with friends or family try pacing yourself to the slowest eater. 6. Focus on your food Eating distractedly, such as in front of the TV, means we eat more without noticing or even enjoying it. Swap the TV for the table. 7. Aim to feel satisfied, not stuffed Try eating just one plate of food and
Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies
don’t go back for seconds. 8. Mix and match If you know you’ll be having a proper dinner later, keep an eye on the calories by having a lighter lunch. 9. Spot the difference Swap a big dinner plate for a smaller one and you’ll have a smaller portion. It will also look as if you have more food on your plate too. 10. Max your pocket, not your drink! Extra large whole milk lattes or cappuccinos may seem like value for money, but they also contain more calories. Try swapping for a regular size coffee made with lower fat milk.
Committed to the health of Plymouth people PROUD to sponsor the ‘I Love Life’ campaign, the University of St Mark & St John is committed to developing health and well-being and maximising the opportunities for Plymouth’s residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to get involved. The campaign delivers great results for those taking part. As the top university for social mobility and the best university for Teacher Training and Education Provision in the South West, we believe in the importance of educating people to develop and maintain rewarding careers and healthy lifestyles. We’ve seen how sporting success can help put Plymouth on the map and be a catalyst to revitalise the city’s wider
cultural offering, educational provision and business development. Sport and physical activity play a vital role in improving health, reducing inequalities, raising aspirations, and encouraging lifelong behaviour change. Last year the University hosted a city sport summit to improve performance in elite sport, increase participation in club, school and community sport. Education and physical activity have the power to transform lives, places and economies. We’re pleased to support a campaign aiming at improving quality of life, helping promote Plymouth as a great place to live and work and boosting our wider growth of Plymouth’s cultural and visitor economy.
how healthy are you? 1 How often are you active for 30 minutes or more a day? Any activity that raises your heart rate and makes you breath deeper counts, and the 30 minutes doesn’t have to be done in one go. a) Most days b) 3-4 days a week c) Less than 3 days a week 2 How many portions of fruits and vegetables (80g or a large handful) do you eat a day? a) 5 or more b) 3-4 c) 2 or less 3 How often do you eat red meat (beef, pork, lamb)? a) I don’t eat red meat; or up to 3 times a week b) 4-5 times a week c) Every day 4 Do you add salt to your food? a) No b) Yes, but I am trying to cut down c) Yes 5 When you’re thirsty, do you
tend to drink: a) Water or unsweetened tea or coffee b) Vary between a) and c) c) Sugary soft drinks like cola or energy drinks; fruit juice; or tea or coffee (with sugar) 6 On days that you drink alcohol, how many drinks do you usually have? One drink equals half a pint of beer, a small glass (125ml) of wine or a single measure of spirits. a) I don’t drink alcohol; or up to 2 drinks b) Up to 3-4 drinks c) 5 or more drinks 7 Do you smoke? a) No b) Yes, but I am trying to give up c) Yes 8 Do you know your weight and Body Mass Index (BMI)? a) Yes, I am a healthy weight b) Yes, I need to lose weight c) No
How did you score? Mostly As Well done, you seem to be living a healthy lifestyle already. Livewell can help you to maintain your health. Mostly Bs You’re on the right track, but there’s room for improvement. Livewell can help you to lead a healthier lifestyle. Mostly Cs Your lifestyle needs improvement. Even making small changes could make a big difference to your health.
J
anuary is the month many of us ditch the booze to give our livers a welcome rest and see if we can cope without alcohol. Among those giving up this month are Labour Councillor Mike Sparling and school nurse Catherine Morris. School nurse Catherine feels that going a month without a glass of bubbly is achievable and she may even give February a go. The 45-year-old is hoping she can also quit snacking and feel better for longer. She says: “If I’m being honest, one of the reasons I am doing Dry January is to become healthier. I’m closer to 50 now than 40 now! “I could have chosen to do something that probably wouldn’t be achievable like running a marathon! I want to be able to complete this. “I don’t drink that much during the week but I will have two or three glasses of wine on a Friday evening, and the same again on a Saturday. I might have one or two glasses during the week. Prosecco is what I like to drink! “It was easy not drinking on New Year’s Day but that Saturday was hard - we went to the pub as well. I woke up feeling really good on the Sunday though. “I have been busy catching up on all the stuff I missed on TV over Christmas to keep me occupied! I want to download the NHS Couch Potato to 5k app but I’m not going to do that until February. I know that normally when people start something in January they end up quitting. “There are so many calories in alcohol and I always end up snacking on crisps or popcorn when I drink - it’s been good to stop that. “Recent figures have just been released about the amount of units of alcohol we should all be drinking and I find that all really interesting. I have been looking into sugar a lot recently and there is lots of sugar in alcohol. I want to be more conscious of that. “This new advice is not to make all of our lives a misery - it’s up to us to make informed choices. I’m not going to be T-Total after dry January but I might think about giving another month ago.” Labour councillor Mike Sparling is hoping giving up the booze will encourage others to do the same. He says: “Christmas is traditionally a time when people over-indulge but the New Year is a great opportunity to improve our health and Plymouth is no exception. “Last year’s Dry January campaign in Plymouth was a great success. At the council, we're encouraging staff to sign up again for Dry January 2016 and so I thought it would be a good idea to practice what we preach and join in! “Plymouth has a new public health initiative called ‘thrive’ which recognises excessive drinking as one of four lifestyle behaviours that lead to 54 per cent of deaths in Plymouth. Therefore, I hope that taking a month free from booze will encourage local people to talk about, reflect upon and ultimately curb risky drinking behaviours, whilst realising some short-term benefits (better sleep, weight loss, saving money, feeling better). “Just over a week in and personally I feel more energised and I’ve saved a quite a few bob too!” ■ Anyone wanting to take on the Dry January challenge can go along to Central Library, today, between 10am and 12pm to get information and sign-up.
Mike Sparling and Catherine Morris
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In partnership with
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‘You can hit your New Year ambitions’ January Supported by
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Former Olympic swimming star Sharron Davies says the I Love Life scheme is in tune with her own endeavours to inspire better lives. She shares her motivation secrets with Mike Bramhall
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s a swimming superstar, Westcountry sports icon Sharron Davies grew up on a gruelling training regime that propelled her to world class status. But now, as a 53-year-old mum-ofthree, she has some comforting words of wisdom for those of us who have slightly less lofty ambitions. Across the South West, men, women and some youngsters too will be wondering how, or indeed if, they can achieve their New Year’s resolution to shape up, get more active and shed excess pounds. For many confirmed couch potatoes, or those with busy lives, it might seem like Mission Impossible. But the Olympic and Commonwealth medal-winner and former TV gladiator has a reassuring and inspiring message: “You can do it.” Plymouth-born Sharron still lives a hectic lifestyle, combining being a working mum with her own keep fit regime while preparing to launch her own fitness and health consultancy. But she said: “Everyone can take simple steps to improve their health and fitness levels. You don’t have to be an athlete or go on crazy diets – just be realistic. “Yo-yo dieting and embarking on a fitness programme you can’t keep up is no good for you. It won’t work in the long run. “Taking in a ludicrously low amount of calories does nothing for your body. You have to be patient. What you should really be doing is to introduce healthy eating which you can stick with forever.” The festive blow-out will have left many feeling bloated and lethargic, and some people may decide to embark on a drastic training programme. But Sharron, who last summer spent eight weeks on a physical training course, warned against aiming the fitness bar too high. She said: “Lots of people will go mad for a few weeks, and throw themselves
into a punishing training regime. But they will end up with aches and pains, do it for three weeks then decide they have had enough. “It is far better to ease yourself in and do something regularly, which you can gradually build up. “Find something you enjoy, and try to find somebody you can do it with. You will find you encourage each other along, and you are less likely to drop out because you won’t want to let your friend down. “It is about committing to exercise and making it part of your life. Set the pattern in the initial six weeks and you will find it easier. “Gyms are great because you have to report in, and they can help monitor your progress. Personal trainers are too. They can help with devising a specific programme for you and they bring discipline to the table. “Mentoring can really work, but you don’t have to go down that route. You can do it yourself; it is all about creating frameworks and targets, and making sensible efforts you can stick with.” Keeping a check on food and drink intake is also key to a slimmer, fitter you. Sharron said: “A lot of people forget just how many calories are in drinks, not just those with alcohol. I would love it if the government did something about removing unnecessary sugar from food and drinks. So much seems to be laced with it. “When you are relaxing and having fun with your family, perhaps having some drinks, eating and tucking into the sweets it is a recipe for disaster.” Sharron’s own exercise routine when she was growing up in Plympton was rather more than a gentle exercise on the way to school. At 11 she was selected for the British
Sharron’s top tips ■ Being aware of what you are eating and drinking is important, said Sharron – but so too is when you have your meals. She said: “Try not to eat too late – perhaps no later than 7pm. If possible, try to bring your evening mealtime forward. ■ It is also a good idea to eat your food from smaller plates – either a three-quarter size dinner plate or a side plate. Our food portions tend to be way above the national recommendations, but most people are just not aware of it. ■ It is important to keep your body active. It is like having a car which you spend a lot of time cleaning and polishing, but never drive. When you do eventually come to start it up, it won’t go. ■ If you catch the bus, get off a stop earlier than you have to then walk the rest of the way. ■ Don’t use escalators – use the stairs wherever you can. Exercise is good for strengthening our bones and the body’s structure, so don’t take the lazy option. ■ It is all about doing little things, which when you put them together can make a big difference. Start small and build from there; it is all about changing your attitude rather than embarking on a crazy diet. ■ f you like cycling, then join a club. If you like swimming, try and do that regularly. ■ There are lots of activities you can do. Make use of the internet to find out more about things that interest you. Or why not research people who have lost a lot of weight, then find out how they did it? ■ Dogs are perfect for making us get out of our chairs and take them for walks. And use the internet to find out how you can devise your own exercise circuit at home. ■ Use cans of beans to do curl exercises; or check out where you can do press-ups. We have all got time to do it, it is just finding it. After the kids have gone to bed, do it then. ■ There are ways around every problem. I have a really bad knee – I’ve had nine operations on it. But if I don’t go cycling three times a week it swells up. It is all about maintaining what you have got.” swim team for the 1976 Montreal Olympics, where she competed aged 13. Her career haul of medals included two Commonwealth Games golds, and a silver in the Moscow 1980 Olympics, and she has followed that up with a successful TV career. Sharron said: “The South West is a fantastic place to live if you want to be active. There are the moors for rambling and hill running, the sea and all the things you can do on the beach and in the water. Or just get out in the fresh air and enjoy a walk.”
10 ingredient swaps to make your winter cooking healthier 1. Love your labels Food labels can seem a bit boring, but they are the best way of checking what you're eating as they can tell you what's hidden inside the food. Once you know what how to use them, you'll soon be able to make healthier choices when you're shopping. 2. Be calorie smart Counting calories doesn't have to mean you're on a diet! They are a really handy way of helping you choose balanced meals each day, and not eating more than your body needs. 3. Eatwell plate The eatwell plate is a brilliant idea it helps you eat a balanced diet by showing you how much of what type of food to eat at each meal.
Simple! 4. Share packaged foods Many foods and drinks are packaged for two adults sharing, so if you’re eating by yourself avoid temptation and save some for later. Don’t give a whole one to a child - let them share a bag of crisps, or save some. 5. Eat a little slower It takes time for our brains to register we’re full, so try to eat more slowly. If you’re eating with friends or family try pacing yourself to the slowest eater. 6. Focus on your food Eating distractedly, such as in front of the TV, means we eat more without noticing or even enjoying it. Swap the TV for the table. 7. Aim to feel satisfied, not stuffed Try eating just one plate of food and
Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies
don’t go back for seconds. 8. Mix and match If you know you’ll be having a proper dinner later, keep an eye on the calories by having a lighter lunch. 9. Spot the difference Swap a big dinner plate for a smaller one and you’ll have a smaller portion. It will also look as if you have more food on your plate too. 10. Max your pocket, not your drink! Extra large whole milk lattes or cappuccinos may seem like value for money, but they also contain more calories. Try swapping for a regular size coffee made with lower fat milk.
Committed to the health of Plymouth people PROUD to sponsor the ‘I Love Life’ campaign, the University of St Mark & St John is committed to developing health and well-being and maximising the opportunities for Plymouth’s residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to get involved. The campaign delivers great results for those taking part. As the top university for social mobility and the best university for Teacher Training and Education Provision in the South West, we believe in the importance of educating people to develop and maintain rewarding careers and healthy lifestyles. We’ve seen how sporting success can help put Plymouth on the map and be a catalyst to revitalise the city’s wider
cultural offering, educational provision and business development. Sport and physical activity play a vital role in improving health, reducing inequalities, raising aspirations, and encouraging lifelong behaviour change. Last year the University hosted a city sport summit to improve performance in elite sport, increase participation in club, school and community sport. Education and physical activity have the power to transform lives, places and economies. We’re pleased to support a campaign aiming at improving quality of life, helping promote Plymouth as a great place to live and work and boosting our wider growth of Plymouth’s cultural and visitor economy.
how healthy are you? 1 How often are you active for 30 minutes or more a day? Any activity that raises your heart rate and makes you breath deeper counts, and the 30 minutes doesn’t have to be done in one go. a) Most days b) 3-4 days a week c) Less than 3 days a week 2 How many portions of fruits and vegetables (80g or a large handful) do you eat a day? a) 5 or more b) 3-4 c) 2 or less 3 How often do you eat red meat (beef, pork, lamb)? a) I don’t eat red meat; or up to 3 times a week b) 4-5 times a week c) Every day 4 Do you add salt to your food? a) No b) Yes, but I am trying to cut down c) Yes 5 When you’re thirsty, do you
tend to drink: a) Water or unsweetened tea or coffee b) Vary between a) and c) c) Sugary soft drinks like cola or energy drinks; fruit juice; or tea or coffee (with sugar) 6 On days that you drink alcohol, how many drinks do you usually have? One drink equals half a pint of beer, a small glass (125ml) of wine or a single measure of spirits. a) I don’t drink alcohol; or up to 2 drinks b) Up to 3-4 drinks c) 5 or more drinks 7 Do you smoke? a) No b) Yes, but I am trying to give up c) Yes 8 Do you know your weight and Body Mass Index (BMI)? a) Yes, I am a healthy weight b) Yes, I need to lose weight c) No
How did you score? Mostly As Well done, you seem to be living a healthy lifestyle already. Livewell can help you to maintain your health. Mostly Bs You’re on the right track, but there’s room for improvement. Livewell can help you to lead a healthier lifestyle. Mostly Cs Your lifestyle needs improvement. Even making small changes could make a big difference to your health.
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anuary is the month many of us ditch the booze to give our livers a welcome rest and see if we can cope without alcohol. Among those giving up this month are Labour Councillor Mike Sparling and school nurse Catherine Morris. School nurse Catherine feels that going a month without a glass of bubbly is achievable and she may even give February a go. The 45-year-old is hoping she can also quit snacking and feel better for longer. She says: “If I’m being honest, one of the reasons I am doing Dry January is to become healthier. I’m closer to 50 now than 40 now! “I could have chosen to do something that probably wouldn’t be achievable like running a marathon! I want to be able to complete this. “I don’t drink that much during the week but I will have two or three glasses of wine on a Friday evening, and the same again on a Saturday. I might have one or two glasses during the week. Prosecco is what I like to drink! “It was easy not drinking on New Year’s Day but that Saturday was hard - we went to the pub as well. I woke up feeling really good on the Sunday though. “I have been busy catching up on all the stuff I missed on TV over Christmas to keep me occupied! I want to download the NHS Couch Potato to 5k app but I’m not going to do that until February. I know that normally when people start something in January they end up quitting. “There are so many calories in alcohol and I always end up snacking on crisps or popcorn when I drink - it’s been good to stop that. “Recent figures have just been released about the amount of units of alcohol we should all be drinking and I find that all really interesting. I have been looking into sugar a lot recently and there is lots of sugar in alcohol. I want to be more conscious of that. “This new advice is not to make all of our lives a misery - it’s up to us to make informed choices. I’m not going to be T-Total after dry January but I might think about giving another month ago.” Labour councillor Mike Sparling is hoping giving up the booze will encourage others to do the same. He says: “Christmas is traditionally a time when people over-indulge but the New Year is a great opportunity to improve our health and Plymouth is no exception. “Last year’s Dry January campaign in Plymouth was a great success. At the council, we're encouraging staff to sign up again for Dry January 2016 and so I thought it would be a good idea to practice what we preach and join in! “Plymouth has a new public health initiative called ‘thrive’ which recognises excessive drinking as one of four lifestyle behaviours that lead to 54 per cent of deaths in Plymouth. Therefore, I hope that taking a month free from booze will encourage local people to talk about, reflect upon and ultimately curb risky drinking behaviours, whilst realising some short-term benefits (better sleep, weight loss, saving money, feeling better). “Just over a week in and personally I feel more energised and I’ve saved a quite a few bob too!” ■ Anyone wanting to take on the Dry January challenge can go along to Central Library, today, between 10am and 12pm to get information and sign-up.
Mike Sparling and Catherine Morris
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Meet our brand new I Love Life volunteers The Herald’s new I Love Life members will be looking to follow in the footsteps of previous Plymouth volunteers. Emily Smith finds out more...
Pippa Scott-Bell Age: 49 Weight: 12 stone 9 lbs “I have volunteered to do this in the hope of losing a stone”
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ODAY marks the beginning of a sevenweek programme for 12 willing volunteers who want to improve their health and wellbeing. The CATERed staff have signed up to The Herald’s I Love Life programme, with the hope of not only changing their own lives but those of people living in Plymouth, too. Throughout the programme, the 12 catering managers will be put through their paces by health coach Gavin Seymour, who will make them jump, squat and lunge their way to a healthier future. The team will also take part in a seminar with the Livewell South West team, which will cover topics ranging from portion size, alcohol awareness, maintaining a balanced diet and more. The group’s members are all excited to start the programme and inspire the children they see on a daily basis across Plymouth’s schools, to lead their own healthy lives. Mike Bulley, account manager of CATERed, said: “I go around to every school and talk about healthy eating and I think, ‘Who am I to give advice?’ I want to lead by example.” Since The Herald launched the I Love Life programme, a number of Plymouth people have shed stones in weight and are now leading much healthier and happier lives. Liam Sheerin was one of the first I Love Life volunteers and since joining the programme, he has lost an incredible nine stone. He even went on to inspire work colleagues, Need A Cab drivers, who between them have become healthier, proving that busy work hours don’t have to stand in the way of a longer future. The 40-year-old could hardly manage a press-up when he signed up to the challenge, but has recently completed the 32-mile Tour De Moor cycle ride. He said: “I was slightly apprehensive about I Love Life to begin with, but it was quite exciting as well because I wanted to do it. I think it helps doing it in a group environment and having people there to support you. “My biggest piece of advice is to stick with it. If you have a bad day, that doesn’t have to mean you give up on it. “It’s about getting through the eight weeks and helping others. Don’t try to do it on your own.” The previous I Love Life campaign saw a group of Need A Cab drivers lose weight themselves, as well as inspiring their family members to do the same. Two volunteers, Dave and Donna Lee, have changed their own lifestyles as well as supporting their 16-year-old son, Alex, to do the same. Donna said: “I joined the programme to support Dave but now we have both inspired Alex to become healthier. “I’m so proud of Alex and he is now going to the gym with Dave and they are able to encourage each other. “I think what Gavin does with the groups is brilliant, and having the support of the others made sure no-one wanted to give up. “I wish the new group every bit of luck and they will forget all the pain and sweat they went through when they get their end results!” The Herald will continue to follow the CATERed staff on a weekly basis as they learn the importance of exercise and a balanced diet to a much brighter and healthier future.
Ellen Jones
Sian Hartley
Sandra Langridge
Age: 36 Weight: 15 stone 6 lbs “I have never done anything like this before. I want the whole family to get healthier”
Age: 54 Weight: 14 stone 10 lbs “I would like to try and lose two stone. I’m really looking forward to doing this”
Supported by
Bridget Pook Mike Bulley
Age: 55 Weight: 14 stone 3 lbs “I was diagnosed with MS last year and want to get fitter and healthier”
Age: 44 Weight: 17 stone 6 lbs “It’s my tenth wedding anniversary this year and I would like to lose a bit of weight”
Age: 46 Weight: 12 stone 13 lbs “I’m a bit nervous but I’m looking forward to it. I would like to drop a dress size”
Vee Plunkett Sue Mills Age: 53 Weight: 14 stone 6 lbs “Ideally I would love to lose a stone in weight and go down a dress size”
Jo Luke Age: 38 Weight: 11 stone 11 lbs “I really want to try and lose some weight and look at other aspects of healthy eating”
Lynne Tucker
Lindsay Emmerson
Age: 44 Weight: 11 stone 9 lbs “I want to do something that will change all of my family’s life for the better”
Age: 34 Weight: 14 stone 2 lbs “Ideally, I would love to lose a stone in weight and go down a dress size”
Age: 56 Weight: 12 stone 12 lbs “I’m looking forward to knowing what food to eat”
Debbie Palmer Age: 47 Weight: 10 stone 5 lbs “I would like to lose the weight I have put on since getting a car”
Gavin Seymour Health coach “Being responsible for the I Love Life participants and guiding them towards life-changing results has been a massive honour for me. It has been incredible to see the results and transformations continuing to get better. “In the last programme, I helped Liam Sheerin lose nine-and-a-half stone weight loss in just seven months – that really highlighted what was attainable and put the wheels in motion for the subsequent projects. “I base all my classes and seminars on
a holistic approach. While participants have achieved amazing weight-loss results, the focus has been also on ensuring sessions have been fun, with an emphasis on social interaction and with exercises included in a balanced way to reduce injury risk. It has been great to hear, for example, the participants describe how they now have less pain in their lower back, which had been a previous ongoing issue, or they feel so much more confident in themselves now. “Being involved in health and fitness is something that always inspired me as a child. I used to be a cub scout and played football growing up. “I then began to train in various other activities and sports. I believe you should aim to become smarter and
healthier every year of your life. Your health is, in many instances, a better indicator of your age than your real age. I train many people over 50 and up to 80, who are stronger and fitter than the average 20- to 30-year-old. “I am optimistic that the CATERed group can expect transformations which can have a really significant positive impact on the people of Plymouth, additionally having the potential to inspire the next generation with the school connections. They will experience a huge variety of different exercise activities and learn valuable information in the seminars.” “You can contact me online at www.gavinrseymour.com or by calling 07527 009739.”
Brad Pearce Managing director at CATERed CATERed is the new cooperative trading company owned by schools and the council which provides freshly-prepared school food to an average of 12,500 pupils each day of the school year in 67 schools across Plymouth. The new scheme went live on April 1 this year. Brad said: “Of course, as MD of the CATERed, I am keen to ensure that all of our staff are fit, healthy and wanting to be at work to support the business and each other. We all know that, sometimes, it’s possible to feel that life and work can get the better of you and so, having these staff put themselves forward and wanting to work together as a team, supporting each other and representing the business is fantastic. “I know that they are all up for also
showing their families, schools, pupils and readers how they’re getting on. “We want our staff to feel differently about CATERed and to also feel that the company wants to support them and their well-being. “I hope that our staff taking part in this year’s I Love Life campaign will do a lot to promote this idea and I think it’s a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of the great work our staff do every day, as well as show their commitment to the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Plymouth. “Before the group started, I asked them what they thought they wanted to get out of the project and I think that when you read the words they wrote down, you’ll see it’s a testament to their commitment to the pupils, their jobs and a will to help people and forge a great team spirit. It’s a confidence-booster, to
learn more about life, challenge myself, give myself more will power, try new things, lose weight, have more motivation, meet new people, promote good health, work as a team, take information back to school, encourage my whole family to become healthier. “I know that several members of the group want to take what they learn from the project and about themselves back to support their own families, as well as show the pupils they see every day what can be achieved, the difference it can make and how to feel good about themselves and life. “Having the group also talk to the rest of our staff at future group events will be a huge benefit and boost morale and how CATERed can help and support our staff, promote their wellbeing and be a successful business.”
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Having these staff put themselves forward and wanting to work together as a team, supporting each other and representing the business is fantastic – Brad Pearce
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In partnership with
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6 I Love Life 41
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Meet our brand new I Love Life volunteers The Herald’s new I Love Life members will be looking to follow in the footsteps of previous Plymouth volunteers. Emily Smith finds out more...
Pippa Scott-Bell Age: 49 Weight: 12 stone 9 lbs “I have volunteered to do this in the hope of losing a stone”
T
ODAY marks the beginning of a sevenweek programme for 12 willing volunteers who want to improve their health and wellbeing. The CATERed staff have signed up to The Herald’s I Love Life programme, with the hope of not only changing their own lives but those of people living in Plymouth, too. Throughout the programme, the 12 catering managers will be put through their paces by health coach Gavin Seymour, who will make them jump, squat and lunge their way to a healthier future. The team will also take part in a seminar with the Livewell South West team, which will cover topics ranging from portion size, alcohol awareness, maintaining a balanced diet and more. The group’s members are all excited to start the programme and inspire the children they see on a daily basis across Plymouth’s schools, to lead their own healthy lives. Mike Bulley, account manager of CATERed, said: “I go around to every school and talk about healthy eating and I think, ‘Who am I to give advice?’ I want to lead by example.” Since The Herald launched the I Love Life programme, a number of Plymouth people have shed stones in weight and are now leading much healthier and happier lives. Liam Sheerin was one of the first I Love Life volunteers and since joining the programme, he has lost an incredible nine stone. He even went on to inspire work colleagues, Need A Cab drivers, who between them have become healthier, proving that busy work hours don’t have to stand in the way of a longer future. The 40-year-old could hardly manage a press-up when he signed up to the challenge, but has recently completed the 32-mile Tour De Moor cycle ride. He said: “I was slightly apprehensive about I Love Life to begin with, but it was quite exciting as well because I wanted to do it. I think it helps doing it in a group environment and having people there to support you. “My biggest piece of advice is to stick with it. If you have a bad day, that doesn’t have to mean you give up on it. “It’s about getting through the eight weeks and helping others. Don’t try to do it on your own.” The previous I Love Life campaign saw a group of Need A Cab drivers lose weight themselves, as well as inspiring their family members to do the same. Two volunteers, Dave and Donna Lee, have changed their own lifestyles as well as supporting their 16-year-old son, Alex, to do the same. Donna said: “I joined the programme to support Dave but now we have both inspired Alex to become healthier. “I’m so proud of Alex and he is now going to the gym with Dave and they are able to encourage each other. “I think what Gavin does with the groups is brilliant, and having the support of the others made sure no-one wanted to give up. “I wish the new group every bit of luck and they will forget all the pain and sweat they went through when they get their end results!” The Herald will continue to follow the CATERed staff on a weekly basis as they learn the importance of exercise and a balanced diet to a much brighter and healthier future.
Ellen Jones
Sian Hartley
Sandra Langridge
Age: 36 Weight: 15 stone 6 lbs “I have never done anything like this before. I want the whole family to get healthier”
Age: 54 Weight: 14 stone 10 lbs “I would like to try and lose two stone. I’m really looking forward to doing this”
Supported by
Bridget Pook Mike Bulley
Age: 55 Weight: 14 stone 3 lbs “I was diagnosed with MS last year and want to get fitter and healthier”
Age: 44 Weight: 17 stone 6 lbs “It’s my tenth wedding anniversary this year and I would like to lose a bit of weight”
Age: 46 Weight: 12 stone 13 lbs “I’m a bit nervous but I’m looking forward to it. I would like to drop a dress size”
Vee Plunkett Sue Mills Age: 53 Weight: 14 stone 6 lbs “Ideally I would love to lose a stone in weight and go down a dress size”
Jo Luke Age: 38 Weight: 11 stone 11 lbs “I really want to try and lose some weight and look at other aspects of healthy eating”
Lynne Tucker
Lindsay Emmerson
Age: 44 Weight: 11 stone 9 lbs “I want to do something that will change all of my family’s life for the better”
Age: 34 Weight: 14 stone 2 lbs “Ideally, I would love to lose a stone in weight and go down a dress size”
Age: 56 Weight: 12 stone 12 lbs “I’m looking forward to knowing what food to eat”
Debbie Palmer Age: 47 Weight: 10 stone 5 lbs “I would like to lose the weight I have put on since getting a car”
Gavin Seymour Health coach “Being responsible for the I Love Life participants and guiding them towards life-changing results has been a massive honour for me. It has been incredible to see the results and transformations continuing to get better. “In the last programme, I helped Liam Sheerin lose nine-and-a-half stone weight loss in just seven months – that really highlighted what was attainable and put the wheels in motion for the subsequent projects. “I base all my classes and seminars on
a holistic approach. While participants have achieved amazing weight-loss results, the focus has been also on ensuring sessions have been fun, with an emphasis on social interaction and with exercises included in a balanced way to reduce injury risk. It has been great to hear, for example, the participants describe how they now have less pain in their lower back, which had been a previous ongoing issue, or they feel so much more confident in themselves now. “Being involved in health and fitness is something that always inspired me as a child. I used to be a cub scout and played football growing up. “I then began to train in various other activities and sports. I believe you should aim to become smarter and
healthier every year of your life. Your health is, in many instances, a better indicator of your age than your real age. I train many people over 50 and up to 80, who are stronger and fitter than the average 20- to 30-year-old. “I am optimistic that the CATERed group can expect transformations which can have a really significant positive impact on the people of Plymouth, additionally having the potential to inspire the next generation with the school connections. They will experience a huge variety of different exercise activities and learn valuable information in the seminars.” “You can contact me online at www.gavinrseymour.com or by calling 07527 009739.”
Brad Pearce Managing director at CATERed CATERed is the new cooperative trading company owned by schools and the council which provides freshly-prepared school food to an average of 12,500 pupils each day of the school year in 67 schools across Plymouth. The new scheme went live on April 1 this year. Brad said: “Of course, as MD of the CATERed, I am keen to ensure that all of our staff are fit, healthy and wanting to be at work to support the business and each other. We all know that, sometimes, it’s possible to feel that life and work can get the better of you and so, having these staff put themselves forward and wanting to work together as a team, supporting each other and representing the business is fantastic. “I know that they are all up for also
showing their families, schools, pupils and readers how they’re getting on. “We want our staff to feel differently about CATERed and to also feel that the company wants to support them and their well-being. “I hope that our staff taking part in this year’s I Love Life campaign will do a lot to promote this idea and I think it’s a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of the great work our staff do every day, as well as show their commitment to the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Plymouth. “Before the group started, I asked them what they thought they wanted to get out of the project and I think that when you read the words they wrote down, you’ll see it’s a testament to their commitment to the pupils, their jobs and a will to help people and forge a great team spirit. It’s a confidence-booster, to
learn more about life, challenge myself, give myself more will power, try new things, lose weight, have more motivation, meet new people, promote good health, work as a team, take information back to school, encourage my whole family to become healthier. “I know that several members of the group want to take what they learn from the project and about themselves back to support their own families, as well as show the pupils they see every day what can be achieved, the difference it can make and how to feel good about themselves and life. “Having the group also talk to the rest of our staff at future group events will be a huge benefit and boost morale and how CATERed can help and support our staff, promote their wellbeing and be a successful business.”
‘‘
Having these staff put themselves forward and wanting to work together as a team, supporting each other and representing the business is fantastic – Brad Pearce
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Class of 2016 outline their healthy targets The dedicated CATERed staff have signed up to The Herald’s I Love Life programme. Emily Smith met with the willing volunteers
Lindsay Emmerson Age: 34 Weight: 14 stone 2 lbs Visceral fat: 9 Family: Married with two children Job title: Catering manager – Marlborough Primary School “I have signed up to the I Love Life programme because it’s going to give me some time for myself. My kids are old enough now for me to do something for myself. Ideally I would love to lose a stone in weight and go down a dress size. I’m really looking forward to starting the I Love Life programme. I don’t even wear skirts anymore and I can’t look in New Look – instead I just go straight to Evans. I really want to get my kids involved and get us all a bit fitter. I’ve never tried to lose weight before but my problem is I’m a comfort eater. I make fresh meals for my family every evening but I might not always eat it because I’ve been cooking all day I don’t always feel like eating. I rarely grab something to eat because I don’t have the time. I never eat breakfast before I go to work. I get home at about two o’clock and then I might have some crisps or something before I pick up my son from school. Then I will come home and make the evening meal – I don’t stop all day. I look after everyone else and make sure they are all okay before I take care of myself. We do have a puppy so I take him out for walks. My partner is disabled and suffers from a bad back so we can’t walk too far.”
Sandra Langridge Age: 54 Weight: 14 stone 10 lbs Visceral fat: 11 Family: Married with two children Job title: Catering manager – The Cathedral School of St Mary’s “I have done Slimming World in the past and I lost three stone, but since I stopped I think I have put on half of that weight – within 18 months I was back to square one. We are promoting healthy meals at school and we look like this! I want to make myself feel better – it’s now or never. I would like to get fitter and lose a dress size. I would like to try and lose two stone. I’m really looking forward to doing this. I have always wanted to go to the gym but find it boring on my own – a lot of my friends don’t want to go with me. I prefer to do things as a group which is why I think the I Love Life programme is going to work for me.”
Sue Mills Age: 53 Weight: 14 stone 6 lbs Visceral fat: 11 Family: Single and has a son and two grandchildren Job title: Catering manager – Beechwood Primary School “I just want to try and become healthier. I have done a number of diets but within six months I have put the weight back on again. I haven’t found a gym that is convenient enough and fits in around my schedule. I walk my dog every day but that’s the most exercise I do. I’m hoping to get fitter and go on longer walks. I do have breakfast before I go to work and will eat what’s left over at lunch. I eat a lot of meat and vegetables and will cook healthy meals in the evening. I do comfort eat though which is where I will struggle at the weekends. I can’t have chocolate in the house or I will eat it all! I really want to try and lose the weight and keep it off this time – I’m getting older and it’s harder to lose the weight now. In the summer I go away at the weekends and in the winter I just tend to hibernate – I don’t go out and I just sit picking and eating.”
Jo Luke Age: 38 Weight: 11 stone 11 lbs Visceral fat: 7 Family: Lives with partner and has two children Job title: Catering manager – Oakwood Primary School “I really want to try and lose some weight and look at other aspects of healthy eating. My problem is alcohol – I will drink most weekends either at home or in the pub. I like to drink rose wine. I don’t eat breakfast before I go to work – I will try and grab something for lunch if I have the time. I try to have a sandwich but I might not eat all day until I finish work. I try and go for a swim when I finish work but I don’t do that too often. I go to the gym at least twice a week but I don’t do anything at the weekends. I do a legs, bums and tums class or kettlebells. I just want to be happy with my weight. I would like to find it easier to buy clothes. I love dressing up but it would be great if I could be a size smaller.”
Sian Hartley Age: 36 Weight: 15 stone 6 lbs Visceral fat: 10 Family: Married with two children Job title: Catering manager – Woodfield Primary School “I have never done anything like this before. I want the whole family to get healthier and fitter. I’m always saying to the kids at school, ‘Eat your veg’, but it would be nice if I looked like I ate veg! If we can do it, then the children at school can do it. I will tell all of them I’m doing I Love Life – hopefully they will encourage me. I do eat breakfast before I go to work but I won’t have anything for lunch. I’m a vegetarian so I make different meals for my children in the evenings. I just don’t like the taste of meat. I will pick away when I get home and might not have dinner then just pick all night. I go walking with my friends once a week – I walk about eight miles a week. I walk my children to and from school which is about three miles a day. I’m going skiing in February and I would like to be healthier in time for that. I tend to drink a glass of wine most nights and once I open that then I might have some crisps or chocolate.”
Mike Bulley Age: 44 Weight: 17 stone 6 lbs Visceral fat: 16 Family: Wife and one son Job title: Account manager of CATERed “Most of my time is spent at Windsor House or in my car travelling to another school. I was a catering manager up until March this year working in a kitchen. It’s my tenth wedding anniversary this year and I would like to lose a bit of weight before then. We’re going away and I would like to be down to 15-and-a-half stone. I was that weight about two years ago. I rarely eat breakfast unless it’s the weekend and then that would normally be a fry up! I have quite a healthy lunch – a sandwich with brown bread but I do have a packet of crisps. I do eat fresh meals but I think my portion sizes are quite large. I left the army in 2012 and had been the catering manager for 23 years – I was fitter when I was in the army. I’m looking forward to getting active again. I have just started playing football again. I take the dog for a walk and if we can then we will go round Burrator but more often than not it’s just around the block. I eat my dinner sat on the sofa to catch up with TV. I love a pasty and when I order one it’s always a large. If I go out at the weekend then I might have 10-15 pints and grab a kebab on the way home!”
Debbie Palmer Age: 47 Weight: 10 stone 5 lbs Visceral fat: 7 Family: Married with two children Job title: Catering manager – Courtlands School “I struggle to lose weight on my own. My kids are grown up and my husband works nights so I’m on my own in the evenings and tend to pick. I will get home at three o’clock and make my husband something to eat – I always make fresh food but I might not feel like eating when I have been cooking all day. I’m a vegetarian so I might just make myself a veggie sausage sandwich or something for my dinner. Then at about nine o’clock I will be hungry and might pick at something. I do try and have breakfast before I leave for work. I didn’t have a car for ages and would walk everywhere but now I have a car I don’t do any exercise. I have done Slimming World and all of those things but it’s just keeping up with it. I would like to lose the weight I have put on since getting a car. I do fancy a glass of wine most evenings and I will drink at the weekends. I also smoke about 10-12 cigarettes a day. I have never tried to give up – I think you really need to want to do it for it to work. I know I should give up.”
Pippa Scott-Bell Age: 49 Weight: 12 stone 9 lbs Visceral fat: 8 Family: Married with three children Job title: Catering manager – Widey Court Primary School “I really want to lose weight and get fitter. I have volunteered to do this in the hope of losing a stone. I don’t have breakfast before I leave for work and I might have lunch depending on what’s left behind with the dinners. I try not to eat too much wheat so I will have rice cakes over bread, or a jacket potato at lunch. It’s about four o’clock when I start getting the munchies and start to pick. I tend to make cakes and put them in the freezer but if I really want a slice I will take it out and defrost it! I try not to drink that much alcohol and keep it to the weekends if I can. If I’ve had a bad day then I might have a gin and tonic in the evening. I do go walking before work sometimes with the dog. I’m really looking forward to the exercise classes – I think it’s going to be great. Everybody is going to be doing it together.”
Vee Plunkett Age: 56 Weight: 12 stone 12 lbs Visceral fat: 11 Family: Married with four children Job title: Catering manager – Millford School “I have wanted to lose weight for a while. I gave up smoking seven years ago and since then my eating habits have changed and I’ve put on weight. I go to work just having had a cup of tea and I don’t have lunch. I get home at two o’clock and start getting dinner ready but I’m picking all the time. I don’t eat anything healthy when I get home – it might be some crisps or chocolate. By the time the kids come home then I don’t feel like eating – then at about eight o’clock I might make myself a sandwich. I have to get that under control. I have an exercise bike at home but I never go on it – I hang my washing on there to dry! Myself and my husband both have bikes and we do go out sometimes but I can’t do much more than 25 minutes really. I’m looking forward to starting the exercise classes. The reason I wanted to do I Love Life was because we do it as a group and there is more support. If we are having a bad day then we can ring one of the girls and support each other. I’m looking forward to knowing what food to eat.”
Lynne Tucker Age: 44 Weight: 11 stone 9 lbs Visceral fat: 9 Family: Married with four children Job title: Catering manager – Elburton Academy “I was sat in the meeting and we were told about I Love Life and I thought that would be good for me. I thought it would just be another course but it sounds really good. I didn’t look at any information they sent through as I thought it would make me nervous! It looks really interesting though and I have always battled with my weight. I want to do something that will change all of my family’s life for the better. I have done things like Slimming World but always put the weight back on. I don’t eat a lot during the day because I am working with food I don’t always feel like eating. I go home and have to think, ‘What’s for tea?’ I need to eat smaller portion sizes I think. Getting into a routine will be good for me. Once I start to exercise then I know I can do it but it’s just getting to that zone. I used to go walking with my friends but they changed their routine and we don’t do that now. My children are old enough now for me to have some time for myself. I don’t make an effort to look nice at the moment because I don’t feel nice.”
Supported by
Ellen Jones Age: 46 Weight: 12 stone 13 lbs Visceral fat: 10 Family: Married with three children Job title: Catering manager – Montpelier Primary School “I’m a bit nervous but I’m looking forward to it. I don’t eat breakfast before I start work. I won’t eat anything all day until I get back home. I get in, sit down for a minute and then I will start making dinner for the family. I wouldn’t say my portion size is overly big. I like a glass of wine in the evenings. We might get a takeaway at the weekends but it depends what my girls are doing. I ferry my children around to lots of different things – my family are all really sporty and I take my daughter swimming every evening. I don’t do any exercise because I have been injured for a while with a back and shoulder injury. I would like to drop a dress size by the end of the programme.”
Bridget Pook Age: 55 Weight: 14 stone 3 lbs Visceral fat: 10 Family: Married with three children Job title: Catering manager – Stoke Damerel Primary School “My reason’s for signing up to the I Love Life programme are more medical than losing weight. I was diagnosed with MS last year and want to get fitter and healthier. I used to go to the gym and was reasonably fit. I suffer with quite bad fatigue and being healthier will help with that in the long-term. Our job is hard physically and mentally. We use all our energy first thing in the morning and by the end of the day I will feel so tired and need sugar. I will make myself have some Weetabix in the morning and I will grab something at lunch. It might just be a yoghurt or I might feel like having some chips. I did go to the gym but I did my back in so I have stopped doing that. I haven’t got a sweet tooth really but my downfall is crisps and cheese. If I lose weight then I will generally feel fitter. I used to walk home from work which was about two miles but I don’t do that now. I would like to fit into the clothes that are in the back of my wardrobe. I will have a drink in the evenings – I might have a vodka or some wine. Some weeks I might not drink at all but if I go and watch the rugby then I will have a few. I have two sons living at home who are very health conscious so they don’t let me have rubbish in the house!”
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Class of 2016 outline their healthy targets The dedicated CATERed staff have signed up to The Herald’s I Love Life programme. Emily Smith met with the willing volunteers
Lindsay Emmerson Age: 34 Weight: 14 stone 2 lbs Visceral fat: 9 Family: Married with two children Job title: Catering manager – Marlborough Primary School “I have signed up to the I Love Life programme because it’s going to give me some time for myself. My kids are old enough now for me to do something for myself. Ideally I would love to lose a stone in weight and go down a dress size. I’m really looking forward to starting the I Love Life programme. I don’t even wear skirts anymore and I can’t look in New Look – instead I just go straight to Evans. I really want to get my kids involved and get us all a bit fitter. I’ve never tried to lose weight before but my problem is I’m a comfort eater. I make fresh meals for my family every evening but I might not always eat it because I’ve been cooking all day I don’t always feel like eating. I rarely grab something to eat because I don’t have the time. I never eat breakfast before I go to work. I get home at about two o’clock and then I might have some crisps or something before I pick up my son from school. Then I will come home and make the evening meal – I don’t stop all day. I look after everyone else and make sure they are all okay before I take care of myself. We do have a puppy so I take him out for walks. My partner is disabled and suffers from a bad back so we can’t walk too far.”
Sandra Langridge Age: 54 Weight: 14 stone 10 lbs Visceral fat: 11 Family: Married with two children Job title: Catering manager – The Cathedral School of St Mary’s “I have done Slimming World in the past and I lost three stone, but since I stopped I think I have put on half of that weight – within 18 months I was back to square one. We are promoting healthy meals at school and we look like this! I want to make myself feel better – it’s now or never. I would like to get fitter and lose a dress size. I would like to try and lose two stone. I’m really looking forward to doing this. I have always wanted to go to the gym but find it boring on my own – a lot of my friends don’t want to go with me. I prefer to do things as a group which is why I think the I Love Life programme is going to work for me.”
Sue Mills Age: 53 Weight: 14 stone 6 lbs Visceral fat: 11 Family: Single and has a son and two grandchildren Job title: Catering manager – Beechwood Primary School “I just want to try and become healthier. I have done a number of diets but within six months I have put the weight back on again. I haven’t found a gym that is convenient enough and fits in around my schedule. I walk my dog every day but that’s the most exercise I do. I’m hoping to get fitter and go on longer walks. I do have breakfast before I go to work and will eat what’s left over at lunch. I eat a lot of meat and vegetables and will cook healthy meals in the evening. I do comfort eat though which is where I will struggle at the weekends. I can’t have chocolate in the house or I will eat it all! I really want to try and lose the weight and keep it off this time – I’m getting older and it’s harder to lose the weight now. In the summer I go away at the weekends and in the winter I just tend to hibernate – I don’t go out and I just sit picking and eating.”
Jo Luke Age: 38 Weight: 11 stone 11 lbs Visceral fat: 7 Family: Lives with partner and has two children Job title: Catering manager – Oakwood Primary School “I really want to try and lose some weight and look at other aspects of healthy eating. My problem is alcohol – I will drink most weekends either at home or in the pub. I like to drink rose wine. I don’t eat breakfast before I go to work – I will try and grab something for lunch if I have the time. I try to have a sandwich but I might not eat all day until I finish work. I try and go for a swim when I finish work but I don’t do that too often. I go to the gym at least twice a week but I don’t do anything at the weekends. I do a legs, bums and tums class or kettlebells. I just want to be happy with my weight. I would like to find it easier to buy clothes. I love dressing up but it would be great if I could be a size smaller.”
Sian Hartley Age: 36 Weight: 15 stone 6 lbs Visceral fat: 10 Family: Married with two children Job title: Catering manager – Woodfield Primary School “I have never done anything like this before. I want the whole family to get healthier and fitter. I’m always saying to the kids at school, ‘Eat your veg’, but it would be nice if I looked like I ate veg! If we can do it, then the children at school can do it. I will tell all of them I’m doing I Love Life – hopefully they will encourage me. I do eat breakfast before I go to work but I won’t have anything for lunch. I’m a vegetarian so I make different meals for my children in the evenings. I just don’t like the taste of meat. I will pick away when I get home and might not have dinner then just pick all night. I go walking with my friends once a week – I walk about eight miles a week. I walk my children to and from school which is about three miles a day. I’m going skiing in February and I would like to be healthier in time for that. I tend to drink a glass of wine most nights and once I open that then I might have some crisps or chocolate.”
Mike Bulley Age: 44 Weight: 17 stone 6 lbs Visceral fat: 16 Family: Wife and one son Job title: Account manager of CATERed “Most of my time is spent at Windsor House or in my car travelling to another school. I was a catering manager up until March this year working in a kitchen. It’s my tenth wedding anniversary this year and I would like to lose a bit of weight before then. We’re going away and I would like to be down to 15-and-a-half stone. I was that weight about two years ago. I rarely eat breakfast unless it’s the weekend and then that would normally be a fry up! I have quite a healthy lunch – a sandwich with brown bread but I do have a packet of crisps. I do eat fresh meals but I think my portion sizes are quite large. I left the army in 2012 and had been the catering manager for 23 years – I was fitter when I was in the army. I’m looking forward to getting active again. I have just started playing football again. I take the dog for a walk and if we can then we will go round Burrator but more often than not it’s just around the block. I eat my dinner sat on the sofa to catch up with TV. I love a pasty and when I order one it’s always a large. If I go out at the weekend then I might have 10-15 pints and grab a kebab on the way home!”
Debbie Palmer Age: 47 Weight: 10 stone 5 lbs Visceral fat: 7 Family: Married with two children Job title: Catering manager – Courtlands School “I struggle to lose weight on my own. My kids are grown up and my husband works nights so I’m on my own in the evenings and tend to pick. I will get home at three o’clock and make my husband something to eat – I always make fresh food but I might not feel like eating when I have been cooking all day. I’m a vegetarian so I might just make myself a veggie sausage sandwich or something for my dinner. Then at about nine o’clock I will be hungry and might pick at something. I do try and have breakfast before I leave for work. I didn’t have a car for ages and would walk everywhere but now I have a car I don’t do any exercise. I have done Slimming World and all of those things but it’s just keeping up with it. I would like to lose the weight I have put on since getting a car. I do fancy a glass of wine most evenings and I will drink at the weekends. I also smoke about 10-12 cigarettes a day. I have never tried to give up – I think you really need to want to do it for it to work. I know I should give up.”
Pippa Scott-Bell Age: 49 Weight: 12 stone 9 lbs Visceral fat: 8 Family: Married with three children Job title: Catering manager – Widey Court Primary School “I really want to lose weight and get fitter. I have volunteered to do this in the hope of losing a stone. I don’t have breakfast before I leave for work and I might have lunch depending on what’s left behind with the dinners. I try not to eat too much wheat so I will have rice cakes over bread, or a jacket potato at lunch. It’s about four o’clock when I start getting the munchies and start to pick. I tend to make cakes and put them in the freezer but if I really want a slice I will take it out and defrost it! I try not to drink that much alcohol and keep it to the weekends if I can. If I’ve had a bad day then I might have a gin and tonic in the evening. I do go walking before work sometimes with the dog. I’m really looking forward to the exercise classes – I think it’s going to be great. Everybody is going to be doing it together.”
Vee Plunkett Age: 56 Weight: 12 stone 12 lbs Visceral fat: 11 Family: Married with four children Job title: Catering manager – Millford School “I have wanted to lose weight for a while. I gave up smoking seven years ago and since then my eating habits have changed and I’ve put on weight. I go to work just having had a cup of tea and I don’t have lunch. I get home at two o’clock and start getting dinner ready but I’m picking all the time. I don’t eat anything healthy when I get home – it might be some crisps or chocolate. By the time the kids come home then I don’t feel like eating – then at about eight o’clock I might make myself a sandwich. I have to get that under control. I have an exercise bike at home but I never go on it – I hang my washing on there to dry! Myself and my husband both have bikes and we do go out sometimes but I can’t do much more than 25 minutes really. I’m looking forward to starting the exercise classes. The reason I wanted to do I Love Life was because we do it as a group and there is more support. If we are having a bad day then we can ring one of the girls and support each other. I’m looking forward to knowing what food to eat.”
Lynne Tucker Age: 44 Weight: 11 stone 9 lbs Visceral fat: 9 Family: Married with four children Job title: Catering manager – Elburton Academy “I was sat in the meeting and we were told about I Love Life and I thought that would be good for me. I thought it would just be another course but it sounds really good. I didn’t look at any information they sent through as I thought it would make me nervous! It looks really interesting though and I have always battled with my weight. I want to do something that will change all of my family’s life for the better. I have done things like Slimming World but always put the weight back on. I don’t eat a lot during the day because I am working with food I don’t always feel like eating. I go home and have to think, ‘What’s for tea?’ I need to eat smaller portion sizes I think. Getting into a routine will be good for me. Once I start to exercise then I know I can do it but it’s just getting to that zone. I used to go walking with my friends but they changed their routine and we don’t do that now. My children are old enough now for me to have some time for myself. I don’t make an effort to look nice at the moment because I don’t feel nice.”
Supported by
Ellen Jones Age: 46 Weight: 12 stone 13 lbs Visceral fat: 10 Family: Married with three children Job title: Catering manager – Montpelier Primary School “I’m a bit nervous but I’m looking forward to it. I don’t eat breakfast before I start work. I won’t eat anything all day until I get back home. I get in, sit down for a minute and then I will start making dinner for the family. I wouldn’t say my portion size is overly big. I like a glass of wine in the evenings. We might get a takeaway at the weekends but it depends what my girls are doing. I ferry my children around to lots of different things – my family are all really sporty and I take my daughter swimming every evening. I don’t do any exercise because I have been injured for a while with a back and shoulder injury. I would like to drop a dress size by the end of the programme.”
Bridget Pook Age: 55 Weight: 14 stone 3 lbs Visceral fat: 10 Family: Married with three children Job title: Catering manager – Stoke Damerel Primary School “My reason’s for signing up to the I Love Life programme are more medical than losing weight. I was diagnosed with MS last year and want to get fitter and healthier. I used to go to the gym and was reasonably fit. I suffer with quite bad fatigue and being healthier will help with that in the long-term. Our job is hard physically and mentally. We use all our energy first thing in the morning and by the end of the day I will feel so tired and need sugar. I will make myself have some Weetabix in the morning and I will grab something at lunch. It might just be a yoghurt or I might feel like having some chips. I did go to the gym but I did my back in so I have stopped doing that. I haven’t got a sweet tooth really but my downfall is crisps and cheese. If I lose weight then I will generally feel fitter. I used to walk home from work which was about two miles but I don’t do that now. I would like to fit into the clothes that are in the back of my wardrobe. I will have a drink in the evenings – I might have a vodka or some wine. Some weeks I might not drink at all but if I go and watch the rugby then I will have a few. I have two sons living at home who are very health conscious so they don’t let me have rubbish in the house!”
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In partnership with
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10 great ways to get healthier and happier 4 1 2
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In partnership with
Supported by
■ GO FOR A WALK: What are you waiting for? Just put one foot in front of the other and enjoy our beautiful city
■ HIT THE PARK: Whatever your age, the park is a great place to have fun and be active. Whether it’s a walk with baby, taking a toddler to the swings or kicking a ball with teens, the park is the perfect location. In Plymouth we are spoilt for park choices, from Central Park with miles of safe walking and cycling and pitch and putt to Devonport Park with its grandstand, play park and popular cafe.
■ JOIN A FITNESS CLASS: You don’t need to be a slave to the gym. Just one exercise class a week can make a difference to your heath - and be a lot of fun. There’s plenty of classes around Plymouth which you can join as a non-member
IT LIM ED
SHOOT SOME HOOPS: Find a free pitch and gather your pals for a bit of all-American basketball action. Many parks have a free court where you can play without booking
7 Become a member of the University of St Mark & St John Sports Centre today! No joining fee No annual contract Pay as you go available 90 station fitness suite
Open to the public
25m five lane indoor pool marjon.ac.uk/marjon-sport sportsreception@marjon.ac.uk 01752 636876
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6 weeks for £45
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■ GET AN ALLOTMENT: As well as being a great source of healthy, organic food, tending an allotment or vegetable garden is a great way to get fit. All that digging, heaving and hoeing is a great workout. After burning the calories you can tuck into the fruits of your labour without guilt.
@marjonsport
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■ CYCLE: It’s fun, great for fitness and helps to cut transport costs. Whether it’s cycling with the family around Saltram, pedalling to work or going off road on your mountain bike, cycling has endless opportunities for all the family
■ PLAY FOOTBALL: Whether it’s a kick-about with mates in the park, five-a-side or joining a league, football is a great way to get some exercise.
■ DO CIRCUITS: You don’t have to go to a gym to get fit. You can also make up your own circuits of star jumps, bunny hops, and other simple moves and repeat on rotation.
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■ LEARN TO DANCE: Eminate the stars of Strictly Come Dancing by joining a class in Plymouth. There’ s a great choice of classes covering both ballroom and latin dances. A brand new class has just been started by Donaheys Dance School at Combe Dean School in Plymstock on Monday evenings. Dancing is great fun, social and it gets you fit.
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■ CLIMB A HILL: The Plymouth area is blessed with hills so whether it’s going up a Dartmoor tor or following the coast path, a walk or run up a hill is a great way to exercise, while boosting your stamina and muscle and burning calories.
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L O V E LOVE LIFE AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY As part of Plymouth City Council’s commitment to improving health in the city, our libraries are running free health and wellbeing activities throughout January, in partnership with the Livewell South West team. On Saturday 9 January 2016 at Central Library from 10am to 2pm learn more about health and wellbeing including Livewell@theLibrary health resources, Reading Well: Book Prescription Scheme, Home Library Service, friendship groups, and books for carers. You can also sign up for Dry January and try giving up booze for the month.
Throughout January there will be a variety of events including blood pressure checks, advice to help people quit smoking, information for carers, free massage sessions and advice on dementia, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease and autism. Plymouth Options Anxiety and Depression Service is also running a range of workshops on stress management, sleeping well and mindfulness. In addition to the January events, the Council’s library service provides information on a range of health, wellbeing and social care issues and services.
11 January
12 January
14 January
18 January
Sleep well and mindfulness at Plymstock Library, 9.30 to 1pm
Chair based exercise session at Plympton Library, 10am to 12noon
Feel Better With a Book at St Budeaux Library, 10.30am
Feel Better With a Book at West Park Library, 10.30am
Feel Better With a Book at West Park Library, 10.30am
Feel Better With a Book at Plymstock Library, 10am
Feel Better With a Book at Plympton Library, 5.15pm
Feel Better With a Book at Central Library, 2pm
Free Hearing Tests at Central Library, 10am to 4pm
Feel Better With a Book at Southway Library, 10am
Blood pressure checks at Crownhill Library, 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Feel Better With a Book at Crownhill Library, 2.15pm
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening drop-in at St Budeaux Library, 10am to 12.30pm
Active Steps at Devonport Library, 10.30am
Age UK drop-in, Southway Library, 10am to 12noon
Blood pressure checks at Efford Library, 11am to 1pm
Feel Better with a Book at Central Library, 2pm
Feel Better with a Book at Central Library, at 2pm
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening drop-in at Crownhill Library, 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Dementia advice and support for carers at Plymstock Library, 9am to 1pm
Feel Better with a Book at Crownhill Library, 2.15pm
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening drop-in at Devonport Library
Age UK drop-in at St Budeaux Library, 10am to 12noon
This is a flavour of some of the events happening at our libraries. For a full list of events visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/healthandwellbeing or call 01752 305900. plymlibraries
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is becoming...
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 health improvement 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