ITV’s Dr Hilary backs Norfolk healthy life game changer

Stay as fit and healthy as possible – taking responsibility for our health doesn’t have to be difficult. Clear advice from renown TV GP and medical expert Dr Hilary Jones, who is backing Norfolk’s new healthy life game changer – Ready to Change.

We can eat well, move more, cut back on alcohol and stop smoking without making sudden drastic changes, said Dr Hilary, a familiar medical face for Good Morning Britain and Lorraine viewers.

Eastern Daily Press: Dr Hilary Jones said we have a responsibility to have a healthy lifestyle Photo: Norfolk County CouncilDr Hilary Jones said we have a responsibility to have a healthy lifestyle Photo: Norfolk County Council (Image: Norfolk County Council)

He is fully supporting the new Ready to Change platform launched by Norfolk County Council, with advice from experts at the University of East Anglia, which emphasizes building on small lifestyle improvements for long-term benefits.

“A lot of people make the mistake of trying to do too much at once and set themselves unrealistic targets, and that’s often why they fail,” said Dr. Hilary.

“Small simple changes can pay large dividends, and they’re much less arduous. A mountain looks horrendous, but going up one step at a time is achievable and it’s fun.”

Eastern Daily Press: Head to the Ready to Change website for help taking little steps one at a time towards a healthier lifestyle Credit: Norfolk County CouncilHead to the Ready to Change website for help taking little steps one at a time towards a healthier lifestyle Credit: Norfolk County Council (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Dr Hilary recommended using the tips and advice on the Ready to Change website to work towards a healthier life.

“That’s the thing that we can all do and there is advice and encouragement every step of the way, backed up by evidence,” he said.

Helping ourselves is good for our mental health too, he is stressed.

“Too many of us think about what we have not done rather than what we have. Give yourselves a pat on the back, a positive affirmation for little acts of kindness and little steps that you are taking,” he said, adding that the fitter and healthier we are the more resilience we have and the easier it is to tackle life’s problems .

Eastern Daily Press: Looking up at a mountain can feel intimidating, but taking it one step at a time can be fun and works.  Take the same approach to a healthier lifestyle, says the Ready to Change platform Photo: GettyLooking up at a mountain can feel intimidating, but taking it one step at a time can be fun and work. Take the same approach to a healthier lifestyle, says the Ready to Change platform Photo: Getty (Image: Getty)

He points to the Ready to Change platform, which helps people to set their own healthier life goals and the small everyday changes they can make to achieve those goals.

“It tells you why it is important and how it can be achieved, with alternatives and what to do if you are struggling with helpful tips that can be followed,” he said.

“I think everybody has their vices and sometimes life gets on top of us and we let things go, but as long as we get back on track we can maintain a healthy lifestyle,” he said.

And the one thing which will have the greatest impact on our lives?

“Regular exercise,” said Dr Hilary, suggesting that rather than feel we need to book an exercise class, choose something fun like skateboarding or dog walking, jogging with a friend or cycling in the woods.

“Something fun that becomes a habit and ingrained,” he said. “If everyone exercised more we would have less diabetes, fewer heart problems, less depression, less anxiety and perhaps have a population that was more socially engaged,” he said.

Dr Hilary added that with doctors’ surgeries so busy and appointments sometimes not available for a couple of weeks, it’s helpful to be as fit and healthy as we can.

“Taking more responsibility for our own health is more important than it ever was,” he said.

Want to stop smoking, eat healthier, move more, get fitter or drink less alcohol? Find out how simple little steps can lead to a long-term sustainable healthier lifestyle by heading to the Ready to Change platform at www.norfolk.gov.uk/readytochange for information, tips, support, advice – and evidence that the small step approach works.

Are you already using the Ready to Change advice? Norfolk County Council wants to hear your stories. Has it helped you to set goals to lose weight or drink less or give up smoking? Please email [email protected]