Physical activity seems to have been the theme for the last few weeks. The latest phase of Public Health England’s ‘One You’ campaign Active 10 aims to get inactive people doing 10 minutes of brisk walking per day. Whilst I have seen some questioning of “shock tactics”, the statistic that 41% of people aged 40 – 60 in the UK do not do 10 minutes of brisk walking in a month certainly helped gain coverage. I’m sure the new Active 10 app will get some people walking on a daily basis. ARMA and a lot of ARMA members supported the campaign.
Physical activity at all ages is important for maintaining good MSK health. The issues are complex, and people with existing MSK conditions will find it more challenging to remain active and to know what is appropriate exercise for them. It is important that they get the right advice and support. The next ARMA/NHS England webinar is on sport, exercise and musculoskeletal training and delivery in the NHS. Do sign up and join us on 8th September, or watch the recording afterwards.
Not all the barriers to being more active are individual. I was interested to see that NICE are developing guidelines on how local councils can make it easier for people with limited mobility to be more active. This is looking at how the design and maintenance of streets and parks can make it easier for people, particularly those with impairments, to access. The guidelines are open for consultation until 2nd October and could be very relevant to people with MSK conditions.
Whatever your role – clinician, patient, policy maker, planner, provider of specialist or general sport or activity – we all need to play our part in promoting physical activity for everyone. ARMA and ARMA members will continue to play our part in this. What will you do?