Northern Ireland Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has been extolling the virtues of walking football and exercise in general.
After taking part in a walking football charity event in Lisburn, the Minister called on the public to get active.
He said the population of Northern Ireland could help him turn around the health service by playing their part.
The Minister warned that unless people take care of their own health and well-being then the health service will never properly cope with demand.
Mr Nesbitt’s comments came after he participated, and got on the scoresheet, at the walking football marathon organised by Hillsborough Walking Football Club; it raised money for the charity Eager Belvoirs Special Olympics Club. Walking football is aimed at men and women aged over 50.
The Health Minister said: “It was great to be able to not only attend this event but to take part as well. We are fortunate in Northern Ireland to have a great many sporting and activity organisations for all ages.
“My health struggles of recent years are well known. I am challenging myself and everyone else to try to be a bit more active in our daily lives. The benefits to individuals are clear in terms of physical and mental well-being. However, it’s also important to society as a whole.
“While I am now investing unparalleled sums in tackling hospital waiting lists, the reality is that health services across the world are struggling to match ever growing demand for care, as people live longer lives.”
Mr Nesbitt, who has spoken publicly about his heart problems, said his ambition as Health Minister included moving focus from treating the sick to helping to keep healthy people healthy.
He pointed out: “That’s a challenge for us all across Government as we need to ensure our environment supports and enables good health and wellbeing.
“It’s also a challenge for individuals. Without a collective effort to take care of our health, services will always have difficulty keeping up with growing pressures.
“There’s therefore an onus on each of us to look after our health and well-being as much as possible. That’s not just for our own sake but also to help reduce levels of demand for care and ensure our health service can thrive into the future.”
The Public Health Agency has brought together advice on different ways to look after your health and be more active. Go to https://www.choosetolivebetter.com/getting-active or https://www.choosetolivebetter.com/
Image: Health Minister Mike Nesbitt (front, second from left) with members of Hillsborough Walking Football Club at the charity event in Lisburn.
