Julian's six-point
plan for better health in Castle Point
The 2009 Health Profile for the Borough shows four areas which mark Castle Point as being significantly worse than the English average:
* Healthy eating adults
* Physically active adults
* Obese adults
* People diagnosed with diabetes
Whilst the health of people in Castle
Point is recorded as "generally better than the England average", we should not rest on our laurels and action is
needed to improve these areas.
No-one is going to force anyone to adopt a healthier lifestyle, but elected politicians can help to make that choice
an easier option to take.
Julian
Ware-Lane, Labour's Parliamentary Candidate for Castle Point, expressed his concerns: "whilst delighted that the
overall health of people here is identified as better than average, the issue of them being significantly worse in being physically
active is disturbing."
"I believe that our council can do something to help here."
Julian is calling for Castle Point Borough Council to commit to the
following six easily achievable measures to improve the health of residents:
1. No development on Green Belt. Green belt encourages
an outdoor and active lifestyle.
2. Make the Government's offer of free swimming to over 65s and under 16s genuinely free – remove the registration
and facilities entry charges.
3. Install more benches and public toilets, with useful and accurate opening times, so that our older and less fit
residents can venture out more often.
4. Put some decent play equipment into the many playgrounds – a healthy lifestyle starts from an early
age.
5. Create more
youth facilities.
6.
Take local opinion into account when considering proposals for fast food outlets – these are often not very healthy
places to eat from.
It will be an unfortunate irony if when the Olympics come in three years time they are held in an area which is still
shown as significantly worse than average in these important areas – in stark contrast to the world class competitors
who will be competing in Hadleigh.
