A framework to increase physical activity in County Durham (2016-2021)

Page 3

Start, Stay and Succeed

Why physical activity? There is compelling evidence that physical activity helps people to lead healthier and happier lives. There are benefits in taking part in physical activity for its own sake, but there are much

wider benefits that an active life can bring to both the individual and wider society, in terms of physical and mental wellbeing, community and economic development. Encouraging people to be active is important to County Durham, and contributes to County Durham’s wider priorities.

Figure 1. Physical Activity

Increases the feeling of wellbeing

Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by 30%

Reduces workplace sickness by 27%

Active Improves students earn educational an average attainment 18% more per year, by 12.7% than inactive counterparts

Altogether Wealthier

Reduces the risk of depression and dementia by 30%

Reduces risk of breast and colon cancer by 20-24%

Reduces the risk of anti-social behaviour and crime by 15.8%

Reduces an individual’s carbon footprint by 86kg per year, if 2km walked per week.

Altogether Healthier

Altogether Safer

Altogether Better for Children and Young People

Altogether Greener

2


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.