Football, fruit and face painting was billed as the fun way to teach people in Newcastle about fitness at a free event last week. Health reporter Jane Picken found out more.
 Families flocked to a fun day held last week in Newbiggin Hall, and although the emphasis was on having a good time, the open day was just one project in a massive scheme by dozens of action groups in the area, to improve the city's health. The fun day, which featured dance sessions, cheerleading, yoga, pilates and relaxation classes, was organised by charity The Newbiggin Health Action Group, a taskforce aimed at promoting exercise, sport and healthy eating throughout the Woolsington ward. Other attractions aimed to get the crowds in included football games, tombolas, health checks, free fruit, arts and crafts, a jazz band and a free prize draw. Information on exercise and nutrition was provided on the day by local groups including Kids Get Fit and Sure Start. Community development worker Jonathan Biggs was involved in organising the day, on November 11, as part of his role to empower communities to learn about health issues. He said: "We decided we wanted to do something to promote Newcastle Council's Year of Exercise and Sport, who had provided some of the funding. "It was a great day and we managed to get 140 people from the local area along to the event. "It was a chance for people to have fun but also try out new exercises and activities. "People could also find out more about what was going on in their area in terms of sports and events, but also it gave visitors the chance to learn about nutrition and eating well." Director of Community Action on Health, Coun Nick Forbes added: "While we all recognise the importance of getting fit, actually putting our good intentions into practice can be difficult. "Last Saturday, we hoped to make people more aware of the options available to them as well as proving that exercise can be fun." --------------------------------------------------------- Yes now The Year of Exercise and Sport 2006 is a programme of sport, exercise and health-related activities, primarily organised by Newcastle City Council and aimed at improving the health and well-being of individuals, groups and communities that make up Newcastle. For more information phone the YES Information Hotline on 0191 278 3093 or go to www.yes2006.co.uk And to find out more about the Newbiggin Health Action Group call (0191) 269 9858. --------------------------------------------------------- Tripling risk of a heart attack A study across 52 countries has shown that using any form of tobacco increases the risk of heart attack by up to three times. The study published in medical journal The Lancet examined the risk of heart attack from using various forms of tobacco (both smoked and smokeless) as well as exposure to secondhand smoke. And the results included people who smoked tobacco in any form - including waterpipes and hand-rolled cigarettes. Phil Adams, clinical director of cardio-respiratory medicine at Newcastle Hospitals, said: "This reinforces what we have always known - that tobacco represents a major threat to health, either through being a smoker or exposure to smoke." --------------------------------------------------------- Log on An East Durham doctor has launched a website to provide information to thousands of people who are concerned they may be suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency. B12 deficiency can manifest itself in many ways including extreme fatigue, hair loss, paralysis of the limbs and depression. After revealing his findings earlier this month, Dr Chandy has been inundated with requests from across the UK and as far afield as Croatia for more information. He has now launched his own website at www.b12d.org --------------------------------------------------------- End the stigma An initiative encouraging employers to improve the way they deal with mental health in the workplace has been launched by Health Minister, Rosie Winterton. The three year initiative, called Action on Stigma, urges employers to sign up to a set of principles - for example, demonstrating they have made changes in their work environment and employment practices to ensure people with mental health problems are treated fairly and equally with others. Only 20% of people with severe mental health problems are employed, compared to 65% of people with physical health problems and 75% for the whole adult population. Rosie Winterton said: "Ignorance and stigma still surrounds the issue of mental ill-health." | 
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