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12 Apr 2023 • 6 min read
Got a moment? Possibly not – it feels like we’re busier than ever before. But did you know that being active is one of the most important things you can do for your health and wellbeing, as it can help prevent over 20 chronic health conditions?
Despite that, we might find we’re moving our bodies less... More than a third of us live with persistent pain and more than 80% of the world’s adolescents aren’t active enough. ¹ ² Could inactivity be playing a part?
We’ve spoken to Dr Fraser Quin, Executive Director of The British Society of Lifestyle Medicine* (BSLM), an independent charity dedicated to informing people about the way their daily life shapes their overall health.
“Physical inactivity is a significant cause of chronic disease, and sadly it leads to an estimated five million deaths globally, every year. Currently there are limited solutions offered through general medicine and healthcare, which is why we place such an importance on addressing these issues so we can help to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals. That’s why we are supporting the Holland & Barrett initiative to get people moving more. Whether it be walking, or just squats in the kitchen, five minutes of exercise can significantly improve our aerobic endurance, so resources like Holland & Barrett’s 30-day movement challenge calendar is a great guide to the simple things we can all do to improve our fitness, and ultimately our overall health outcomes.”
It might seem basic, but it’s important to understand the difference between our joints, bones, and muscles! Although they work together, they have different functions and need different things to stay healthy:
Taking care of our joints, bones, and muscles helps keep us comfortable, strong, and mobile. Plus, it helps to reduce our risk of chronic conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis.
Confused on other terms and phrases? Check out our no-jargon guide to joints, bones, and muscles.
Just as with any health condition, it’s not possible to completely remove your risk of developing joint, bone, and muscle issues.
Some contributing factors, like genetics and sex, are outside of our control. But taking certain steps can help you reduce your chances of poor musculoskeletal health – and the sooner you start, the better.
As a population, we’re 20% less active than in the 1960s, and we’re set to be 35% less active by 2030 if trends continue.5
Consider the following wherever you can:
While it’s best to follow these as early in life as possible, it’s never too late to start making changes!
So many of us live with persistent pain – so it’s time to understand how best to manage it. Painkillers may provide relief in the short term, but they’re not suitable for everyone, and shouldn’t be relied on as your main option in the long term.
Your healthcare professional might tell you that “self-management” is the answer – but what exactly does that mean?
The definition differs according to your type of pain and your lifestyle, but practices to help manage your pain might look like: 8,9
As well as the lifestyle changes we mentioned earlier on.
Getting active isn’t an overnight process, nor is it a sure way to get rid of persistent pain.
But it can provide a boost to your physical and mental health and keep your body moving comfortably for longer.
By making small changes each day, we can help to reduce our risk of chronic conditions and better understand our bodies and our pain.
We understand how important it is to look after ourselves, which is why we’re offering 10,000 hours of personalised joints, bones, and muscles check-ins every week. Our experts are available in store and online to provide you with a 1-to-1 consultation that will help you find the best way to move and live well.
So, book today with our qualified experts and get a free joints, bones, and muscles check-in to help you move better for longer. A 15-minute conversation could make a lifetime of difference.
Last updated: 18 March 2024