Public Health England launched ‘One You’, a ground-breaking new campaign to help adults across the country avoid future diseases caused by modern day life. Everyday habits and behaviours – such as eating too much unhealthy food, drinking more than is recommended, continuing to smoke and not being active enough – are responsible for around 40% of all deaths in England, and cost the NHS more than £11 billion a year. ‘One You’ aims to encourage adults, particular those in middle age, to take control of their health to enjoy significant benefits now, and in later life.
Latest figures show that life expectancy at older ages is at record levels, yet many are spending their retirement living in ill health. Currently fifteen million Britons are living with a long-term health condition, yet studies show living healthily in middle age can double your chances of being healthy when you are 70.
The new campaign will help adults in Essex to move more, eat well, drink less and be smoke free. One You will also provide information on how people can reduce their stress levels and sleep better.
It is encouraging adults to start by taking a new online health quiz, called ‘How Are You’. This innovative quiz provides personalised recommendations based on your results and directs people to tools and advice to help them take action where it’s most needed. Over half of 40-60 year olds taking the ‘How Are You’ quiz said they were likely to change their lifestyle to improve their health because of the feedback it gave them.
Professor Kevin Fenton, National Director of Public Health England said:
“For the first time, Public Health England is launching a campaign that talks to adults directly about all of the things they can do to improve their health. The scale of the campaign is unprecendented and includes new public and commercial partnerships with Amazon, Asda, BBC Get Inspired, Slimming World and the Armed Forces.
“This will see One You in every community, on every high street, in local health services, on websites and in social media. We want everyone across the country to know that it is never too late to get your health back on track.”
For more information and to take the ‘How Are You’ online quiz, search ‘One You’ online now, or click here to complete the quiz.