NEWS
- From uncovering the newest health trends to updates from our partners, plus 60 seconds with England Cricket captain Heather Knight, we bring you the latest from inside Vitality and beyond -
Just one healthy habit can add years to your life...
Research reveals how even small lifestyle changes, such as walking more, can help us live longer lives
Did you know that if half of the UK’s inactive population did 5,000 steps just three times a week, it could save the NHS as much as £15bn? This is according to recent research carried out by Vitality alongside the London School of Economics, based on data mapped over a 10-year period.
The research also found that doing 10,000 steps three times a week can lower risk of type-2 diabetes by over 40% and this increases to 57% four times a week. At least 5,000 steps three times per week for two years can add between 2.5 years (for men) and three years (for women) to our life expectancy. More in the video below.
steps 3 times a week could save the NHS £15bn
steps 3 times a week halves over 65’s yearly chance of dying
steps 3 times a week can lower type-2 diabetes risk by over 40%
*Data based on Habit Index research conducted by Vitality and the London School of Economics on 1 million members across the UK and South Africa mapped over a 10-year period between 2013 to 2023
Coffee drinkers less likely to get cancer?
Two to four cups a day can help prevent bowel cancer from reoccurring, research suggests
The positive and negative links between coffee and cancer have been hotly debated by health experts for years. However, according to the World Cancer Research Fund, there is evidence that coffee reduces the risk of mouth, larynx and pharynx cancers, as well as skin cancers. While it’s not clear why this might be, it’s claimed that helpful antioxidants and anti-inflammatories found in its compounds could be the reason. More recently, it has been revealed that people with bowel cancer who drink between two to four cups of coffee a day are less likely to see it come back.
Happiness is the cure!
Wellbeing linked to risk of developing dementia, reveals new findings
New findings from the 2024 World Happiness Report have determined that people who look after their wellbeing were more likely to have healthier cognition (an improved ability to think and retain knowledge), which in turn lowers our risk of developing dementia. ‘Wellbeing’ was defined as those having positive emotional experiences, feeling satisfied with life and a greater purpose or meaning. To top it off, better wellbeing was associated with boosted cardiovascular functioning, which also helps prevent dementia risk.
million cases of dementia are expected to be recorded in 2050
A walk in the park
parkwalk was created to help ensure anyone can join in at parkrun
Since starting almost 20 years’ ago, parkrun has become the go-to Saturday morning community event, but it's not just reserved for runners and volunteers. Participants who just want to walk can also come along to join in, with their family, dogs and buggies too. No one will come in last and there is no time limit.
“When I started that first event in Bushy Park almost 20 years’ ago, it was to encourage any activity, no matter how long it took to complete, to get more people outside on a Saturday morning and to connect with each other and nature," said parkrun’s founder, Paul Sinton-Hewitt. “We hope parkwalkers continue to enjoy the community parkrun has built for many more years to come.”
So, whether you’re in a wheelchair or on foot, why not give your local parkwalk a go soon? Visit parkrun.org.uk to find yours today and read Mark’s parkrun story.
60 SECONDS
Vitality Ambassador and England women's cricket captain, Heather Knight, on why she chose sport
1. What has sport given you?
Cricket has given me so many memories and is a lot of fun. I’ve made a ton of friends and have amazing experiences travelling abroad. I met my partner and some of my best mates through cricket.
2. How has it shaped you as a person?
It’s built confidence and made me more resilient. Sport introduced me to a world of different people from many walks of life, and from those experiences it has shaped me into who I am today.
3. What do you love most about playing sport?
Winning is fun, but being successful as a group is what I love. Some of the best moments I’ve had are when the team has done well even if we’ve lost; experiencing the bad makes the good feel that much sweeter.
4. How can more women get into sport?
My mum played sport when I was growing up and she made it normal for me to do the same. Now, there are more role models in all women’s sport that can encourage others to feel and do the same. It’s becoming more integrated in society, so hopefully that continues moving forward.
5. How far has women's sport come?
I’ve played England cricket for 14 years now and it’s unrecognisable from when I started. There’s still a bit of way to go in terms of equal opportunity and platform as the men’s game. But taking the whole team professional is a step further towards that.
Read more from Heather and our front cover stars Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophia Dunkley on page 9.
ON OUR RADAR
BRAIN FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
At Vitality, we’re all about encouraging you to make small, positive lifestyle choices that can make a big impact on your life.
That is why we offer partner benefits and rewards with a range of big brands. From cashback on Waitrose & Partners to monthly cinema tickets at Vue or ODEON on us, we’ve got something for all of the family to enjoy.
Find out more about our benefits through the Vitality Programme below.
