Borrow activity trackers from Salisbury library to improve health

Being active can prevent certain long-term conditions

Author: Aaron HarperPublished 6th Nov 2023

We’re being encouraged to stay healthy and active with activity tracker watches by Wiltshire Council.

They’re available to borrow from Salisbury library and the South’s mobile library.

The watches, which are available to over 16s, allow us to track thing like steps, heart rate and sleep quality.

It’s been proven that moving more and sitting less improves sleep quality, mental health and other areas of life.

Getting more exercise can also help prevent long-term conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, as well as helping reduce limitations and falls later in life.

We can also loan blood pressure monitors, available to people 18+ which can help us see how lifestyle changes are impacting our bodies.

High blood pressure can put excess strain on our heart and blood vessels, which, if left untreated, can lead to health problems including heart attacks, stroke kidney disease and some forms of dementia.

We can reduce blood pressure through:

• Regular physical activity

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Eating a healthy balanced diet

• Stop smoking

• Measure blood pressure at home

• Stress management

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure and Libraries, said: “Activity tracker watches are a great way to monitor your progress and get inspired about exercise. If you haven’t tried one before, pop down to your local library and borrow one for free.

“Physical activity can benefit our health and wellbeing and prevent against illness. We hope these activity trackers will help people to keep fit and enjoy life to the fullest.

“These watches are there for everyone – from beginners to those who regularly exercise so I’d recommend anyone interested borrows one to try it out, as there’s nothing to lose.

“I would also encourage anyone looking to reduce their blood pressure to borrow a free blood pressure monitor so they can see in real time the difference any changes in their lifestyle are making.

“High blood pressure can lead to numerous conditions, and I hope these monitors will help people to take positive steps to improve their health.”

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