WALTHAMSTOW  MP SPINS THE WHEEL OF LIFE

Neil Gerrard MP indulged in a touch of ‘spin’ as he helped promote a Cancer Research UK drive to highlight ways in which cancer can be prevented through changes to lifestyle. He played the Wheel of Life at a special healthy living day at the Houses of Parliament last week.

The event helped launch the second year of Cancer Research UK’s Reduce the Risk campaign to MPs. Reduce the Risk aims to raise awareness of the avoidable risks of cancer and the importance of early detection.

The Wheel of Life is a fun way to find out about the risks and benefits of different behaviours such as eating healthily, smoking or sunbathing. Players are awarded points based on where the wheel stops; for example, you can lose 500 points for being a heavy smoker but win back 200 for swapping your pie for a healthy alternative!

Dr Lesley Walker, Director of Cancer Information at Cancer Research UK said: “Our Reduce the Risk campaign highlights five important ways you can lower your cancer risk including stopping smoking, staying in shape, eating and drinking healthily, being SunSmart and reporting anything unusual to your doctor.

“Stopping smoking is the most important thing people can do to reduce their cancer risk, which is why Cancer Research UK is calling on all MPs to vote for legislation to end smoking in all workplaces when the Health Bill is debated in February.”

One of the biggest known preventable causes of cancer in non-smokers is obesity and Cancer Research UK has joined forces with the charity Weight Concern to develop Ten Top Tips – a set of weight management guidelines that can be incorporated into everyday routines without radical lifestyle change. The scientifically-based programme involves adopting 10 simple steps and using a weekly checklist to monitor progress and help reinforce the new habits.

Speaking at the event, supported by the on-site gym and refreshment department of the Houses of Parliament, Neil Gerrard MP said: “Half of all cancers could be prevented by lifestyle changes so it is in our own interests that we each do all we can to reduce our risk. The Ten Top Tips programme is a great way to get fit in January.”

The tips themselves cover a series of ideas for healthy eating and simple exercises which can help anyone to get fitter. Anyone can visit www.reducetherisk.org.uk to request a free leaflet containing the Ten Top Tips programme.

January 2006

Home Page     |     News & Views     |     Press Archive