Physical activity patterns – children in England

Source: British Heart Foundation National Centre (BHFNC) – Physical activity and health

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Date of publication: 21 March 2011

Publication type: Report; Statistics

In a nutshell: This publication pulls together the latest facts and statistics from sources such as the Health Survey for England and the National Travel Survey. Covers physical activity levels generally and during the school day, travel to school, PE and sport, as well as sedentary behaviour.

Length of publication: 5 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement: Nations Heart Forum eNews Briefing 23.3.2011

Sharing practice: raising the profile of physical activity within primary care

Source: British Heart Foundation National Centre physical activity and health

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Date of publication: February 2011

Publication type: Case studies

In a nutshell: This booklet emerged from the BHFNC’s 10th Annual Conference: ‘The cure for all ills is not to sit still’. Includes a selection of physical activity projects and case studies. Engagement with GP commissioning consortia will be important in order to keep physical activity firmly part of the primary care prevention and treatment agenda.

Length of publication: 1 web page plus associated document

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Physical activity on referral in Blackpool

Source: NHS Blackpool

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Date of publication: September 2010

Publication type: Press release 

In a nutshell: The ‘Y Active’ physical activity on referral scheme has been launched in Blackpool, funded by NHS Blackpool and run by the YMCA. The scheme intends to offer a wide range of activities and locations, to engage people, especially inactive patients with existing healthcare conditions. The press release includes a link to a specimen referral form.

Length of publication: 1 web page

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Long work hours and physical fitness: 30-year risk of ischaemic heart disease and all-cause mortality among middle-aged Caucasian men

Source: Heart

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Date of publication: 6 September 2010 (online)

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: From the Copenhagen Male Study, a cohort of around 5000 working men aged 40-59 years, were followed up over a period of 30 years. Men working over 45 hours per week who were the least physically fit were significantly more likely to die from ischaemic heart disease than even those who were working similar very long hours but had maintained intermediate or good levels of fitness into middle-age.

Length of publication: 2 pages

Some important notes: You will need an NHS Athens username and password to access this article. Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Morecambe platform prepares for dance extravaganza

Source: NHS North Lancashire

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Date of publication: 13 July 2010

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: The Community Health Team based at The Knoll, Lancaster, has run the ‘Let’s get moving’ dance scheme for 11 years. The dance classes, for members with learning disabilites, have proved a very popular and sociable way to improve fitness levels and maintain a more healthy weight.

Length of publication: 1 web page

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Studies prove multiple benefits of worksite health programs

Source: Medical News Today, 4th June 2010

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Date of publication: June 2010

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: A 12-week worksite intervention involving twelve overweight sedentary office workers significantly improved their health and fitness. The volunteers had treadmill workstations installed in their offices for nine months. Positive outcomes included decreased waist and hip circumference and lowered cholesterol levels.
Another health study involved a larger group of workers, some of whom were normal weight and some overweight. These employees designed their own programmes, using a variety of resources such as weight-loss plans and fitness centres.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement: American College of Sports Medicine

“Keep on Ticking” at annual fun run

Source: NHS North Lancashire

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Date of publication: 4th June 2010

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: This very successful 5 km fun run has taken place annually for the past 18 years, organised by Lancaster and Morecambe Athletic Club and the Public Health Department of NHS North Lancashire. Participants range from serious club runners from all over the country, to families and casual walkers. Schools compete for the Trophy Challenge, and businesses for the Challenge Cup. 

Length of publication: 1 web page

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.