“I walk, swim and cycle because it helps me sleep better and feel good.”
By Phil, 70, from Wavertree, Liverpool
Phil never really thought of being active as something that was important to him until he became unwell. Now Phil swims regularly and completes a number of home activities that helped improve his physical and mental wellbeing.
Phil’s story begins with a routine check-up with GP, during this visit Phil was shocked to find out that if he didn’t make some changes to his lifestyle soon he was likely to end up with diabetes. After being successfully treated for prostate cancer and a stroke in the past, Phil understood just how important it was for him to start being active if he wanted to avoid diabetes.
Since then Phil has been completing a number of activities, during lockdown he completed a number of home activities and is now back swimming five days a week as restrictions have been lifted, to help his health and wellbeing. Phil says being active has been a 'life saver' to him.
Completing different activities helps Phil feel stronger and gives him more energy. This also helps him feel more relaxed plus it’s reduced his risk of diabetes too. He also enjoys walking and cycling with his wife in his local area.
“If you’re thinking about being active just give something a try. Once you start taking part in an activity you enjoy, it can become part of your everyday life and improve your health and wellbeing”
After experiencing a traumatic road accident, and then being diagnosed with blood cancer, Julie decided she needed to find a way to be more active that fitted her age and lifestyle. She’s also got three energetic granddaughters to look after, so she felt she needed to keep fit and active.
