“Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.”
Edward Stanley, Earl of Derby, 1873
This blog post was inspired by two events. I recently attended a course on how to set up a GP Referral scheme for patients who are / should be prescribed exercise. This course got me thinking about how so many modern illnesses are related to lack of exercise and poor nutrition. Increased obesity levels have been linked with diabetes, heart problems, orthopaedic issues and mental health. Millions of pounds are spent each year on treating these illnesses but is enough done to prevent them? With the General Election happening this week, I thought I would take some time to read the manifestos of the major parties and see what each party had to say on sport, exercise, nutrition and preventative measures.
Here’s what I found…..
Conservatives
Summary: On a high level, David Cameron’s JFK inspired Ask Not What You Can Do “Big Society” aims to empower local communities to make changes on a grass roots level. This is relevant to healthy living as communities will be responsible for local amenities such as local parks. Public health funds will be made available for local communities and will be awarded based on how successful they are at improving public health. The manifesto mentions briefly the big sporting events that will be held in GB over the next few years. It mentions an Olympic legacy and an “Olympic Style” schools competition. Positioning themselves as the “Party of the NHS”, the manifesto focuses on “patient choice” and mentions that data will be available online about service levels.
Quotes: “The Party of the NHS”, “Social responsibility, not state control”
My Take: There is not enough in there about preventative measures; most of the section on the NHS is focussed on patient choice. I find it confusing as to what this even means – it makes me think it is a reference to private health care. The section on sport is minimal and the only clear reference to childrens’ sports is an olympic style “competition”. This is not something that would have long lasting effects and I would like to see more in there about inclusion for all. It’s not all about competition but engaging kids in exercise at an early age so they embark on a lifelong relationship with being fit and active.
Labour
Summary: There are two applicable sections in the Labour manifesto: “Creative Britain: active and flourishing communities” and “Prevention and Intervention” (in the NHS section). The latter section mentions the fact that GPs will be encouraged to provide advice on exercise and nutrition. The Change 4 Life programme is referred to. The manifesto outlines the benefits of partaking in sport and makes claim that more resources will become available for children to allow them to do at least 5 hours sport a week. The manifesto outlines a proposal to invest in a network of decent school sports coaches.
Quotes: “The Tories have always neglected the arts and sport, regarding them as an easy target for cuts”, “Taking part in sport uncovers talent, improves physical fitness, and encourages important social skills”
My Take: On the face of it, the Labour manifesto provides the most comprehensive approach to tackling inactivity levels in Britain. However, there is a claim in there that over half a million more adults are taking part in regular sport than a decade ago. I am inclined not to believe this or, even if this is true, the general activity levels must still be down. It is well known that, although pledging to do the opposite in their 2007 manifesto, over 200 school playing fields have been sold. The attack on the Tories neglecting sports may be justified, if you base it on the coverage given in their manifesto.
Liberal Democrats
Summary: Under “Access to Culture and Sport”, the manifesto promises the closing of loopholes that allow playing fields to be sold. Dormant betting accounts will be used for funding local sport clubs and facilities. There is a statement about ensuring GPs prioritise preventative measures. There is a proposal for elected health boards to take over from Primary Care Trust Boards, giving more responsibility to the local community.
Quotes: “Give priority to preventing people getting ill”, “Close loopholes that allow playing fields to be sold”
My Take: It’s great to see that the selling of playing fields is covered. There is also clear reference to prioritising preventative measures in the NHS. There is not as much information in there around health and exercise as in the Labour manifesto but the two main messages are clear.
If I were to base my vote on these elements of the manifesto alone then Labour would win, hands down. Unfortunately I think Robert DeNiro says it best (in CopLand) – “you had your chance and you blew it.” In 2008 one quarter of adults are classified as obese and the figure is rising.
A very un-wedding related post (but topical, none the less) by The Wedding Trimmer – a personal trainer for London based Brides.
