Sponsored Editorial: Produced in association with Kent County Council

‘Healthy changes start with little changes’ – that’s the message from the Better Health campaign which aims to help people lose weight and get active, and is being supported by One You Kent.

Kent residents who are facing increasing health issues from poor key lifestyle behaviours including inactivity and unhealthy eating, along with smoking and drinking too much alcohol, could be seeing short and long term effects on their emotional and physical health, leading to an increased risk of many types of cancer, heart and lung disease and stroke.

So whether you want to lose weight, get active or quit smoking, Better Health is here with lots of free tools and support.

You can also find simple ways to lift your mood with Every Mind Matters. There is more information on this and other online tools and apps plus details on local support services at www.oneyoukent.org.uk

Alan from Dartford had suffered many health problems over the last 15 years before a heart attack meant he had to have a triple heart bypass.

He explained that this led him to start exercising via the Exercise Referral Scheme and he met a One You Kent advisor from Dartford Borough Council.

“They helped me improve my fitness levels and enabled me to manage my condition through the diet and exercise,” he said.

“Sadly, as a result of Covid-19, the exercise sessions came to a standstill. However, I was delighted to be contacted by a One You Kent advisor from the council about an online exercise group and over the course of the lockdown, I have found the online exercises classes invaluable."

Alan added: “This has helped to keep me fit and also to keep my weight down to a manageable level, stabilising the fibrosis. On a more personal note, it gives me contact with people I know, thereby keeping any kind of loneliness at bay.”

Try the How Are You? Quiz, Easy meals app or Active 10 app at www.kent.gov.uk/healthyweight where you can also find the NHS 12-week diet and exercise plan, plus a referral form to speak to a One You Kent advisor.

Deviyani Saunders, from Swale, got support from One You Kent advisor Lynda Kent after approaching her GP for help.

Deviyani said: "Lynda was amazing. I really looked forward to our weekly phone calls. She saved my life in a way. She listened to me and allowed me to get all these feelings out. After a few weeks, I just felt so much better. I cannot thank her enough for helping me feel more positive.”

Lynda added: “Deviyani should be so proud of everything she has achieved. She is now feeling much more positive about caring for herself, walking more and eating more healthily to support her recovery.”

KCC Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care, Clair Bell said: “We all had an incredibly challenging 2020 and this year has started with many of us having to make changes to the way we live and work but we still need to consider our lifestyle choices and how these might be affecting our physical and mental health.

“The best way to tackle problem weight is to eat a healthy, balanced, reduced-calorie and sugar diet. You can also maintain a healthy weight and prevent many illnesses by exercising regularly, at least 30 minutes a day of brisk walking.

"We focus on changeable factors such as helping families to improve poor diets and helping those who need to lose and maintain a healthy weight.

“KCC supports national initiatives such as Better Health and you can find information on that plus a huge range of apps and online advice as well as details on local support services.”

The One You Kent Locality Lead for Kent Community NHS Foundation Trust, which runs One You Kent services in east Kent, is Mark Cummings.

Mark said: “One You Kent understands how important your health is to you and your loved ones.

"We have the tools and support you need to quit smoking, get active, and lose weight or just feel better about life.

"We can support you by telephone and video calls as well as virtual groups, from the comfort of your home, to set small goals to make big changes. We understand technology can be tricky to start with but our advisors will talk you through everything and help you get off to a great start in 2021.

Follow One You Kent on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for playlists, videos and information to help on your journey to a healthier you this year.”

For advice about small changes you can make to improve your health and wellbeing including quitting smoking and reducing how much alcohol you drink, and to find more support in your area regarding your lifestyle, see www.oneyoukent.org.uk