HEALTH bosses in the borough will use the Olympics to promote a healthy lifestyle.
GPs and healthcare workers gathered at the West London Medical Centre in Hillingdon on Thursday to discuss the new project, called My Best Move.
A selection of practices has been chosen to run it and will be encouraging patients to do more exercise.
Hillingdon Council is also involved and 17 healthy walks have been organised as well as a plan to increase publicity about the benefits of healthy living.
The project is led by Dr William Bird MBE, a GP from Reading.
Dr Ellis Friedman, joint director of public health for Hillingdon Council and NHS, said: “Being physically active can bring substantial health benefits whatever age you are. In Hillingdon, only one in five adults is active to the recommended level.
“Almost everyone has the opportunity to meet the recommended level of activity: think of ways of doing this affordably and enjoyably – this might be gardening, walking or dancing.”
Dr Sashi Shashikanth, principal GP at West London Medical Centre, Pield Heath Road, which was the first practice to join the project, said: “We are committed to use the games effect to increase physical activity to our patients. Our staff are very excited about our participation. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, cancers, hip fractures, dementia and is proven to cure high blood pressure and depression.”
