22/09/2008 by admin.

Are we really the fat capital of North Wales? For some time now, here in Wrexham, we have featured high on lists for having a high percentage of overweight people living here. Now research shows how unhealthy lifestyles can result in premature death, and predicts that many of these deaths could be avoided. The research published in the BMJ last week showed that over half of deaths in women from chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease could be avoided if they never smoke, keep their weight in check, take exercise and eat a healthy diet low in red meat and trans-fats. It is well known that diet, lack of physical activity, being overweight, alcohol consumption and smoking increase the risk of disease including cancer and diabetes, but little research has examined combinations of lifestyle factors in younger populations and women.

Dr Rob van Dam and his team from the Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, recruited nearly 80 000 women aged 34 to 59 years in 1980 who were part of the Nurses’ Health Study in the US. They analysed the data of over 1.5 million person - years follow up over a 24 year period.

Participants completed detailed follow-up questionnaires every two years about their diet, frequency of physical activity, alcohol intake, weight, how much they smoked, and disease history. Deaths were confirmed by next of kin and the National Death Index.

Over the follow-up period the authors documented 8 882 deaths including 1 790 from heart disease and 4 527 from cancer. The authors estimated that 28% of these deaths could have been avoided if women had never smoked and that 55% could have been avoided if women had combined never smoking, regular physical activity, a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight. Alcohol intake did not substantially change this estimate, although heavy alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of dying from cancer.

Smoking was found to be the biggest cause of premature death but all the other factors also contributed. Interestingly, women with light-to-moderate alcohol consumption (up to 1 drink a day) were less likely to die from cardiovascular diseases than alcohol abstainers.

The authors believe the results of this research indicate that more needs to be done to eradicate smoking and to encourage individuals to take regular exercise and eat healthily. They conclude that “even modest differences in lifestyle can have a substantial impact on reducing mortality rates”.

So there we go. To some extent we can control our destiny - and we can still enjoy the odd glass of wine (or two) along the way.

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08/03/2008 by admin.

Introductory Walk Every Tuesday. As part of the groundwork run scheme a weekly walk is held every Tuesday in the park. The walk is around 1.5 miles and is mostly on the flat. Lasts 35-40 mins approx. Suitable for all. Meet at the Bandstand, Bellevue Park. Please wear suitable shoes and bring a coat.

At Bellevue Park, Wrexham, dates to 01/04/2008.     
Times: Every Tuesday @ 1.15pm. All ages welcome. Free.

Contact Groundwork Wrexham & Flintshire on 01978 757524 or Email lilian.lloyd@groundwork.org.uk.

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08/03/2008 by admin.

The only slimming club that offers dietary advice and exercise all for the weekly fee of £5. The joining fee is £10. Other classes: Monday - Rossett Church Hall, Station road (6 - 7.30pm & 7.30 - 9pm) Tuesday - St Margaret’s Church Hall, Chester road (1 - 2.30pm) Tuesday - Brymbo Sports and Social Club (5.30 - 7pm) Thursday - St Johns Church Hall, Herbert Jennings Avenue (9.45 - 11.15 am) & Chirk Parish Hall (6 - 7.30 & 7.30-9pm).

At Wrexham & District War Memorial Club

Dates from 13/09/2006 to 30/11/2008     
Times: 5.30 - 7pm & 7 - 8.30pm every Wednesday

Contact Emma Wheat on 01978 752650 or Email emjauk@hotmail.co.uk.

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11/01/2008 by admin.

I often hear women say that they are on a diet but I haven’t often heard those words pass a man’s lips. But, according to research by Tesco, millions of men in the UK are constantly trying to shed weight – not for health reasons – but to spice up their love life. The results of the study showed that across the country a third of all adults – 14.5 million people – are on a permanent battle with the bulge. Perhaps some of those campaigns that focus on trying to get men to lose weight for the sake of their health should focus instead on pointing out that beer bellies are not much of a turn-on in the bedroom…

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26/12/2007 by admin.

Why not go for a traditional Boxing Day walk in Bersham and walk off some of those extra pounds. Make sure you get out early enough so that you get back in time for the that tasty Boxing Day dinner though…

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