Sandra Gidley backs Heart Campaign and Urges over 50s to "Get Physical"

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd May 2007

Sandra Gidley today backed a British Heart Foundation (BHF) poster campaign urging people over 50 to be physically active for the sake of their health.

The MP for Romsey gave the thumbs up to the heart charity's 30 a Day campaign, after hearing the facts laid bare by BHF at a House of Commons event. BHF statistics reveal someone in the UK dies every 15 minutes as a direct result of physical inactivity, so Sandra is encouraging adults in her area to be active for 30 minutes every day

Sandra says:

"This is a fun campaign with an important message. Get physical, have fun and protect your future health. There are lots of ways to get your 30 a Day but doing something you enjoy and can fit into every day life is likely to be the best way of improving your health- be it gardening, walking the dog or a bit of a boogie!"

"There is a misconception that the over 50s are the grey rinse brigade. As someone who has just hit the big five O I was disconcerted to find this campaign aimed at me. I know the importance of keeping active - my 30 a day helps keep my blood pressure the same as that of a teenager!

Just 30% of people over 50 in the UK get their 30 a Day , but the benefits are massive. It can halve your risk of heart disease and many other illnesses, setting people up for a healthy, independent later life .

A YouGov poll for the BHF's campaign shows that people give a range of explanations for their inactivity. Money was the top reason, with more than one in three people in the UK saying they would do more exercise if activities were cheaper .

The survey also found 35% of people asked in the South East would be more physically active if they had more time'

Len Almond, Senior Advisor at the BHF's National Centre for Physical Activity and Health explains: "Getting fit doesn't have to mean sweating it out at an expensive gym - we can get our 30 a Day in all sorts of free and every-day ways. Things like vacuum cleaning or walking to the local shops are great ways to fit exercise in to our busy daily lives. Remember, 30 minutes exercise is only 2 per cent of your day."

At the House of Commons event, Sandra heard experts talk about key statistics and the importance of physical activity in our ageing population.

The MPs also heard BHF call more specifically on:

o Government to run campaigns to get over 50s active

o Doctors to routinely refer patients to physical activity programmes

o Local authorities to build safe and 'walkable' towns

o Businesses to invest in activity schemes for older staff

o Fitness industry and sports clubs to run sessions for over 50s

People are urged to visit the campaign website, bhf.org.uk/30aday for practical, fun ways to be physically active, or to order a free campaign booklet by calling 0808 156 5630.

ENDS

For more information please contact the BHF press office on 020 7487 7172 or 07764 290381 (out of hours) or email newsdesk@bhf.org.uk

Notes to editors

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is leading the battle against heart and circulatory disease - the UK's biggest killer. The Charity is a major funder and authority in cardiovascular research. It plays an important role in funding education, both of the public and of health professionals, and in providing life-saving cardiac equipment and support for rehabilitation and care.

• For more information on the BHF, visit bhf.org.uk.