Staff from North Kirklees Primary Care Trust (PCT) will this week give their health a boost and set a good example to their patients by making a series of health pledges.

Staff in the PCT have pledged to make effective changes to their current life style by insisting to eat at least five poof fruit or vegetable every day. Stop smoking, keep their alcohol consumption within sensible limit – i.e. 14 unit per week for women and 21 units per week for men. They also pledged to do half an hour of physical activity every day.

The pledges scheme was launched by the PCT’s director of public health Dr Judith Hopper on June 22 at Batley offices. The staff who have not already made a pledge will be able to come and do so and find out what support is available.

There were lots of activities for staff to try out at the launch event, such as aromatherapy classes, Tai Chi and healthy meal preparation.
Dr Judith Hooper, said as a local health trust, the staff had to set an example in a bid to promote healthy behaviour across North Kirklees.
Dr Hooper’s annual health report made a recommendation that the PCT and other organisations should take action to address the main factors affecting health by developing and continuing to support real action to promote messages which encourage people to eat healthier and take part in physical activity.

“This is just one example of the work we are doing in partnership with Kirklees Council to get people to lead more healthy and active lives,” said Dr Hooper. “The staff continue to promote these messages and make sure we can support people to make behavioural changes for the good of their health.

“These pledges are not life changing decisions but are simple steps that everyone can take to take control of their health and lead healthier lives. They are simple things that should be part of everyday living.”
North Kirklees PCT is committed to helping the public and patients to understand and control their own health.