Westbury residents are being encouraged to live a healthy 2014 by taking simple steps to boost fitness and well-being.
That’s the message from Medicx Pharmacy in Westbury. Pharmacists suggest breaking goals down into manageable chunks to make a fresh start to the New Year, which will make it easier for people to lose weight and feel more determined.
Top of the list of New Year’s resolutions tends to be losing weight, cutting down on alcohol and giving up smoking.
Medicx Pharmacy offers practical advice on how to achieve these goals through its Weight Management Service – a customised weight loss plan, which caters for all lifestyle needs.
A personalised food diary, fitness plan or recommended weight loss treatments help patients reach their desired goals, alongside regular one-to-one meetings at the pharmacy for support and advice.
Tracy Lester, Westbury pharmacy manager said, “Losing weight, cutting down on alcohol and stopping smoking all reduce the risk of potentially serious health problems.
“Setting unrealistic or unachievable goals is only going to make people feel overwhelmed, so we’d recommend taking a sensible approach.
“Losing between five to 10% of your body weight can really affect your chance of getting heart diseases or having a stroke. Two weeks after stopping smoking your circulation begins to improve and limiting alcohol to the recommended allowance will give you more energy and improve your skin tone.
“If you focus on achievable goals you will be more likely to achieve them and continue the journey to a healthier life.”
To find out more about the services available at Medicx Pharmacy Westbury, please contact the team on 01373 888 088 or visit the practice situated in the White Horse Health Centre.
What are the benefits of losing weight?
If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can reduce your risk of some potentially serious health problems.
According to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), most people who need to lose weight can get health benefits from losing even a small amount, about five per cent, of their weight.
If you’re overweight or obese, you have a higher risk of: • High blood pressure • Heart disease • Having a stroke • Type two diabetes • Certain types of cancer • Infertility • Back pain • Depression.
‘How do I know if I need to lose weight?’ – You can find out if you’re overweight by calculating your body mass index (BMI). This shows whether you’re a healthy weight for your height.
The size of your waist is also important. If it’s too large, your risk of health problems are higher. The best way to lose weight is to make small, realistic changes to your diet and the amount of physical activity you do.
The amount of recommended physical activity depends on your age. For example, adults aged 19–64 years old should do 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity. For more information visit www.nhs.uk
