Public Health England launches health campaign for the over-40s

Public Health England has launched a national campaign aimed at encouraging those in middle age to lead healthier lives, it was announced today. 

The One You campaign targets the over 40s, with the aim to prevent ill health later in life by triggering a preventative lifestyle change.

The government body, tasked with improving national health, cites figures showing that more than 40% of deaths in England every year are related to lifestyle factors such as drinking too much, eating unhealthily or smoking, annually costing the National Health Service more than £11 billion.

The campaign also refers to figures showing that leading a healthy life in middle age can double your chances of still being healthy at 70. One You encourages people to “move more, eat well, drink less and be smoke free,” a statement from Public Health England announces.

Professor Sir Muir Gray, clinical adviser for the One You, campaign said: “One You is designed to help every individual identify not only their risks but also the pressures they face in their life and the stress that results, and then support them with personalised tools and advice.”

An online quiz entitled How Are You? has been launched, to help consumers asses how healthy their lifestyle is and offer personalised advice based on their answers. More than half, 56%, of those who have already taken the quiz said they are likely to make lifestyle changes in response to it. 

The campaign will also offer advice on how to de-stress, and how to sleep better. Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer for England, said:”It is important people of all ages feel able to prioritise their health so they can lead long and healthy lives.

We all have the power to shape our future health by making simple and small changes now. One You acknowledges that this can be difficult and is there to help make these changes easier.”