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PRESS RELEASE: Lloyds Pharmacy

Written: Wednesday 28th April, 2010

THE GREAT BRITISH HEALTH CON

Six in ten Brits reckon they are healthy – but in reality are far from it, a shock report revealed yesterday (Tues).

More than 17 MILLION adults are putting themselves at risk of a heart attack or stroke by not exercising enough, eating too much junk food and being deluded as to how unhealthy they really are, according to the report from Lloydspharmacy.

Researchers found that seven in ten adults have never had their blood pressure checked, six in ten have no idea what their cholesterol level is, while almost a third don't even know what they weigh. Hectic lifestyles, long working hours and a 'can't be bothered' attitude towards exercise means the nation's health is in dire straits – and we don’t even know it.

It emerged one in five do NO forms of exercise and the average adult snacks twice a day on crisps, biscuits and chocolate bars. They have just one piece of fruit a day and are carrying around at least a stone of excess lard. Despite the majority admitting they are overweight, 58 per cent worryingly deem themselves HEALTHY.

Shockingly, only a heart attack would trigger seven in ten Brits to overhaul their lifestyle, while 37 per cent would hit the treadmill following a rude comment about their appearance.

Shafeeque Mohammed, heart health expert at Lloydspharmacy, said: “It's worrying to see that Brits aren't listening to health warnings and are continuing with a lifestyle that is so damaging to their health. It seems for many, ignorance is bliss and they would prefer to bury their heads in the sand than take action.

“One in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure, which means they are increasing the chance of becoming ill if they continue with an unhealthy lifestyle. People are taking unnecessary risks by failing to get their blood pressure checked out - it's a vital statistic that everyone should know about themselves.

“High blood pressure often has no symptoms until it has become extremely severe and is the biggest killer through stroke and heart attacks. That's why we are inviting all adults in the UK to have their blood pressure tested in-pharmacy for free. Through our heart campaign we want to encourage a change in attitude and help people manage their own health and to take steps to prevent illness."

The nationwide survey, which polled 3000 adults over 30, revealed how many are clueless as to what is healthy.

One in six reckon having a '25-29.9' Body Mass Index is 'normal' when it in fact means you are overweight and one in ten think 20g of salt is an acceptable daily level - more than three times the recommended daily allowance for an adult.

The average Brit works up a sweat fewer than three times a week with each session lasting a measly 24 minutes, while more than a third said it has been a month or longer since they have felt puffed out following a bout of exercising.

A quarter admit they try and avoid any forms of exercise, while six in ten consider running up a flight of stairs or lifting shopping out of the car as their day's worth of strenuous activity. When faced with a set of stairs, escalator or lift, only half would plod up the stairs.

They spend at least an hour sat in the car each day with 55 per cent slumped behind their computer for eight hours straight. They then get home and slouch on their sofa watching TV for three hours a night, with one in ten admitting to scoffing at least three takeaways a week.

Shafeeque Mohammed added: “It's alarming that people need the final warning of a heart attack or stroke to improve their lifestyle. The research showed that even the death of a loved one wouldn't be the wake-up call that the majority of people need to get back on track.

“Our message is simple, don't wait until it's too late. The first step is finding out how healthy you are and this isn't complicated. It's just making simple checks such as monitoring your weight and getting your blood pressure checked out on a regular basis.”

Research conducted by global market research company www.onepoll.com

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PRESS RELEASE: Lloyds Pharmacy