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The British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Health (BHFNC) was established in April 2000 with funding from the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The BHF continues to fund, support and work in partnership with the Centre. BHFNC is based within the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Loughborough University.
BHFNC is committed to developing and promoting initiatives that will help professionals stimulate more people to take more activity as part of everyday life.
BHFNC Aims:
- Translate research evidence into practice for the promotion of physical activity for the primary and secondary prevention of diseases, particularly coronary heart disease;
- maintain a national focus for physical activity and health;
- ensure that significant research findings are translated into guidelines that inform health, sport and leisure professionals;
- ensure that information and support is provided through our website, newsletters, seminars and resources;
- provide resources and training on physical activity and health in response to requests from professionals;
- ensure that physical activity plays a significant part in new government initiatives.
Physical Activity and Health - an important focus:
The BHF plays a leading role in the fight against heart disease (CHD), which is a major cause of disability and premature death in the UK. The BHFNC at Loughborough University is raising the profile of physical activity within the health agenda, in particular its role in preventing the risk of CHD. Recent research has highlighted the importance of this role.
BHF Coronary Heart Disease statistics highlights the following relevant findings:
- 37% of CHD deaths are related to inactivity as compared to only 19% of CHD deaths being related to smoking;
- inactivity is the most prevalent risk factor for CHD with 70% of women and 60% of men in the UK not active enough to achieve the health benefits from physical activity;
- 9% of deaths from CHD in the UK could be avoided if people who are currently sedentary or have a light level of physical activity increased their activity to a moderate level.
BHFNC is also committed to exploring and promoting the beneficial role of physical activity in preventing and managing other medical conditions and in improving people's quality of life.
The BHFNC works across key physical activity settings and populations:
- Young People
- Adults
- Older Adults
- Primary Care
- Workplace
Aim of this site:
The aim of this site is to bring you information about both the activities of the Centre and to provide you with useful references and links to other health related sites. This information will be regularly updated so be sure to visit us often to find out the latest news.
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