More than half of the borough’s adult population are not doing enough exercise, according to shocking new health figures.
An annual ‘health profile’ of Hyndburn published by the council has revealed that 54 per cent of adults are not achieving at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
The figure is ‘significantly worse’ than the England average and council bosses have said that they are working to ‘address the issue’.
Dr Richard Robinson, clinical lead at NHS East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group for the Hyndburn area, said: “Being inactive is as bad for a person’s health as smoking, drinking too much alcohol and being overweight, but it can be worse as the damage being done is not always visible.
“Spending hours sitting down watching TV or playing computer games is thought to increase the risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, as well as weight gain and obesity. Just going for a walk in the park or putting some music on and having a dance can be beneficial.”
Caroline Robinson, Deputy Chief Executive at Hyndburn Leisure Trust said that the trust offered a number of programmes for women and the elderly to encourage exercise.
She added: “A lot of the indicators in the health profile are economic and people do struggle with affording to get to the gym.
“At the Leisure Trust we run a lot of discounts, to try and encourage more people in because it is so important.”
Councillor Pam Barton, Portfolio Holder for Health and Communities, added: “The figures are the same as other boroughs in East Lancashire. They are a result of a combination of things and all agencies are working together to address these issues.”
