Councillor Pam Paterson, Convener of South Ayrshire Council’s Lifelong Learning Committee met Brian Longair at the Citadel in Ayr to hear how he has lost over 9 stone through healthy eating and exercise and taking part in the Activity for Health scheme.

Brian is a participant in the Activity for Health Scheme, which is operated by the Council in conjunction with NHS Ayrshire and Arran and is supported by Big Lottery funding.  Patients are referred to the scheme by colleagues in the NHS and receive exercise counselling and are ‘prescribed’ an exercise programme.

The Activity for Health Scheme can help participants with a range of health issues including:

• Weight problems.
• Cholesterol levels.
• Smoking cessation.
• High blood pressure.
• Coronary heart disease.
• Depression.
• Low self esteem.
• Arthritis.
• Osteoporosis.
• Back problems.
• Anxiety.
• Diabetes.
• Muscle or join conditions.

Pauline McGahon, one of the Nurses at Brian’s General Practitioner encouraged him to adopt a healthier lifestyle and gave him information on how to take more exercise.  Brian weighed 22 stone 9 lbs then but after changing his habits and leading a healthier life he lost 5 stone in weight, and as the pounds came off his confidence grew.  Brian’s weight loss started to slow down so he made a decision to be referred to the Activity for Health Scheme staff and he now works out in the Citadel Gymnasia four times a week, he also walks a lot.

Brian, who is now a trim 13 stone 9 lbs said:  “The main benefits of participating in the Activity for Health Scheme has been my weight loss, increased confidence and improving my fitness levels.  Exercising is now a part of my life, it is good for my body, good for my mind and helps me to maintain my weight loss.”

When someone is referred to the Activity for Health Scheme by a health professional,  a free confidential consultation is arranged with an Exercise Counsellor.  The client is then given an individual fitness plan which is specially tailored to help them achieve their goals.  The personal plan will be based on the clients medical history, capabilities and activities that the persons enjoys, which could include doing exercises at home, walking, swimming or attending appropriate fitness classes such as gym, aquatrim, aerobiking, Pilates, Tai Chi, circuit training or a specialist class for cardiac clients.

To encourage as many people as possible to improve their health in this way there is no joining fee and participants are able to take part in many South Ayrshire activities for £1 per activity for the first three months and £2 for another nine months.

After meeting Brian and members of the Health Activity Scheme team Councillor Paterson said:  “The facilities on offer within South Ayrshire are very good, and the help and support provided to clients by Exercise Counsellors and members of the Health Activity Scheme team is outstanding.  When people have health problems it can be very difficult for them to maintain their fitness levels, and having a personalised program of exercise is a great help.

“Brian has worked hard to improve his health and fitness and I hope that he will inspire other people to start exercising.”

If anyone would like further information about the Health Activity Scheme contact your local health professional such as a General Practitioner, Community Nurse or Community Pharmacists.  Alternatively contact a member of the Health and Fitness Team at the Citadel on telephone number 01292 294716.

Brian Longair (seated) was working out in the Genesis Gymnasia within the Citadel when he was joined by (left to right) Councillor Pam Paterson, Convener of South Ayrshire Council’s Lifelong Learning Committee, Paul Wilson, Sports Development Co-ordinator South Ayrshire Council Janey Anderson, Activity for Health Officer with the Council and Shiona Johnston, Lead Public Health Practitioner South Ayrshire Community Health Partnership

November 2006