Page last updated at 09:56 GMT, Thursday, December 9 2010

Physical Activity 

Making the most of your opportunities to be active can pay dividends in terms of looking and feeling healthy and happy.  Our bodies are designed to move and yet advances in technology and science mean that there are fewer requirements on us to be active now than at any time in history.  For this reason keeping active has become even more important.

Just half an hour a day of moderate activity on at least five days of the week will be sufficient to achieve all the major health benefits that regular exercise provides.  if it makes you breathe a bit faster and feel a bit warmer - it's moderate activity and it's doing you good.

Before you exercise, always remember to warm up first.

Health Benefits of Physical Activity

Reduces the risk of developing:

• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Heart Disease
• Colon Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Depression and Anxiety
• Increases psychological wellbeing
• Enhances work, recreation and sport performance
• Reduces or maintains body weight
• Builds and maintains health muscles, bones and joints

The following website provide some useful information

Health Works and Health Walks - Exercise and walking schemes

British Heart Foundation - Beating heart disease together

Change 4 Life - Helping families eat well, move more and live longer, happier lives

World Health Organisation - Health benefits of physical activity

Sports Pitches and Facilities in Eastleigh - information on all local sports and leisure facilities