Get Active at the touch of a button
A wealth of opportunities to get active is available at the touch of a button, with a new website launched by Devon County Council Public Health.
Get Active Devon provides a range of activities, from exercise classes to sports clubs; from learning a new skill to developing an existing one, all at the touch of a button. The website offers the chance to search for an activity based on intensity, location, with or without other people, cost, and age range, as well as suitability for people with mobility problems or disabilities.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We all know that we need to be more active, and the recent news that inactivity can be even more damaging than obesity underlines the importance of taking every opportunity to move more in our day to day lives.
“Not everyone wants to spend hours slogging in the gym, but this website offers something for everyone, and with the option of being able to choose an activity with groups of people, also offers the social aspect that we all need for our positive mental health.”
The site is already being used by health professionals, who are advising physical activity as part of their patients’ health plans.
Dr Joseph Kent, a GP at the Seaton and Colyton Medical Practice, said: “As a local GP I have been looking for a website resource like this for years. I am very impressed – I love the concept, it is colourful, attractive and really enticing for patients. We know that inactivity is a significant health risk, but by keeping active for 30 minutes 3-4 times a week you can significantly reduce your chance of harm. With this website you are able to choose either the activities that you know you like and are comfortable with or search for all local options, meet people and try something fun and new.
“In addition to hosting a wide plethora of options, the real beauty of this resource is that it is organic, and will constantly evolve with new activities and locations.
“I have added this site to both my surgery computer and our Practice website. I want as many patients and colleagues to benefit from this information as soon as possible.
Emma Hilton, Practice Nurse at Ide Lane Surgery, was impressed with the diversity of opportunities on offer. “Get Active Devon is a fantastic tool during consultations where exercise promotion is key,” she said.
“It demonstrates the range of real activities happening in our local area and has something for everyone, whatever their mobility, budget or preferences. I often give a quick demo in the consultation and then people can access it from home. Patients are often impressed with the variety – for example ‘wildlife volunteering’ came up in a recent consultation and my patient said it was good to see that you don’t have to be in a gym to exercise.”
Find out more at www.getactivedevon.co.uk, where you can choose your activity or see a film for more information.
