Join our fight for fitness in 2012
THE Hartlepool Mail is today launching a campaign to get the town into tip-top fitness in Olympic year.
With the 2012 London Games now just 206 days away, we are appealing for people across Hartlepool to join us in a new project.
We want to hear from at least 2,012 people in Hartlepool and east Durham who plan to spend this year improving their health.
You could quit smoking or drinking, take up exercise, or go on a diet.
Helping to launch our campaign is town boxer Savannah Marshall (pictured)
Or do you have plans for a sponsored cycle, run, walk or swim?
It doesn’t have to be a herculean challenge. The most important thing is that you take part in our Race For Fitness project.
Whatever your story, we want to hear it between now and the moment the Olympic flame is lit on July 27.
Why are we doing this?
● Hartlepool has a shocking heart disease record. More than 100 people are still dying of heart disease in Hartlepool each year, British Heart Foundation figures have shown.
● One in five of Hartlepool’s population still smokes. The town’s rate of adult smokers was 21.9 per cent in 2010/11, which is higher than the England average which is 21 per cent, according to new figures just revealed to the Mail by anti-smoking campaign group FRESH.
● The North-East has the highest rate of alcohol-related hospital admissions in England with 2,406 admissions in 2009-10, NHS Information Centre figures show.
● And in 2010, a six-month investigation into alcohol abuse showed nearly 30 per cent of Hartlepool’s drinking population downed more than the recommended daily amount of three to four units for men and two to three units for women.
It is time for a culture change.
Top town Olympic boxing prospect Savannah Marshall gave her support to the campaign.
The 20-year-old told the Hartlepool Mail: “I will be doing my best for my country and for my town, and it would be good to know that the town is behind me.
“If they are getting into shape themselves as well, that would be fantastic.”
Hartlepool Mail editor Joy Yates said: “Hartlepool is fortunate to have some fantastic sportsmen and women who will be competing at the Olympics. They are setting an excellent example of the importance of good health.
“Of course, we can not all be Olympians, but their example is one we can all follow even if it is just by making a few changes to our lifestyle.
“For years, the Mail has reported on Hartlepool’s poor health and the consequences of it – from hospital admissions for smoking or drink-related problems to ill health caused by diet.
“It would be such a boost to report on a town which had collectively taken up the baton and decided to shape up.”
Let’s get ourselves in shape for a summer filled with fantastic sport.
Why should London have all the glory? This is Hartlepool’s chance to shine in Olympic year.
Why not make it your new year resolution to improve your health?
Our campaign has already won the support of health campaign groups including the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, the anti-smoking group FRESH, and the British Heart Foundation.
Contact Chris Cordner at New Clarence House, Wesley Square, Hartlepool TS24 8BX or via email Chris Cordner
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Weather for Peterlee
Tuesday 22 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
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Sunny spells
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