SWINDON’S director of public health has urged residents to make the most of local support to keep their health on the straight and narrow amid the launch of a new nationwide campaign.

Public Health England has this week launched the One You campaign in a bid to help adults avoid future diseases caused by modern day life.

Everyday habits and behaviours - such as eating too much unhealthy food, drinking more than is recommended, continuing to smoke and not being active enough – are responsible for around 40 per cent of all deaths in England, and cost the NHS more than £11 billion a year.

The campaign aims to highlight that living healthily in midlife can double your chances of being healthy at 70 and beyond.

The campaign was launched amid startling figures for Swindon which showed that in 2014 only 55.9 per cent of adults in 2014 were deemed to be physically active, while 69.5 per cent of adults were classified as overweight or obese between 2012 and 2014. 17.8 per cent of the town’s population smoked in 2014 which led to 856 deaths.

There were also 83 alcohol related deaths in the same year.

Other figures show that life expectancy at older ages is at record levels, yet many are spending their retirement living in ill health.

Currently 15 million Britons are living with a long-term health condition, yet studies show living healthily in middle age can double your chances of being healthy when you are 70.

The new campaign from Public Health England will help adults in the South West to move more, eat well, drink less and be smoke free. One You will also provide information on how people can reduce their stress levels and sleep better.

Russ Moody, Health and Wellbeing Programme Lead for Public Health England South West, said: “Modern day life makes it hard for people to live healthily, with bigger portions for everything we eat, a desk-bound job or a long commute.

“One You gives people the chance to reappraise their lifestyle choices, put themselves first and do something about their own health before it’s too late.”

Cherry Jones, director of Public Health at Swindon Borough Council, said: “We welcome the launch of One You and hope people in Swindon will find it an appealing, accessible way to take stock of their general health and think more carefully about their lifestyle choices.

“Eating too much junk food and insufficient fruit and vegetables, as well as not incorporating enough physical activity into our daily routines are all too common nowadays. Although smoking is becoming less popular it remains a major health issue, which still tragically kills one in every two smokers.

“Many adults are also drinking alcohol to excess and there’s increasing evidence of its far-reaching risks. All of these factors are taking a huge toll on our health and damaging quality of life, particularly in later years.

“This initiative is designed to reverse these trends and help people in middle age get their health back on track in enjoyable, sustainable ways. I would encourage residents to try the quick One You quiz and see if they learn something new about the areas in need of attention and how to take positive steps to address them.

“It’s very much about identifying little things which will add up to make a big difference.

"There are a host of tools and support services locally to guide and support you on your way to a healthier, happier you so please do make the most of the help on offer.”