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Inactivity in children will lead to future health problems, warns BHF

In response to a new study on physical inactivity of children at the University of Leicester, funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), Dr Mike Knapton Director of Prevention and Care at the BHF says:

28 May 2007

“This is an important piece of BHF research revealing activity habits among South Asian and white children. The study identified that most children don’t take enough exercise – with South Asian children particularly less likely to walk to school.

“This large study tells us more about the lifestyle differences of ethnic groups which helps us understand why some groups are more at risk from heart disease. Research like this will help us to better tailor health care and health education to today’s multi cultural UK population.

“The BHF invests in research, care and education activities relevant to South Asian communities, as those living in the UK have a 50% higher death rate from heart disease than the general population. Only yesterday (Sunday) we launched our Healthier Social Cooking project at Sikh Gurdwaras and Hindu Mandirs across the UK, to encourage people to prepare meals low in salt and fat”.

ENDS

For more information please call the BHF press office on 020 7487 7172 or 07764 290381 (out of office hours) or email newsdesk@bhf.org.uk

Notes to editors

• Statement issued in response to a study on physical inactivity of children at the University of Leicester, funded by the British Heart Foundation, published in Family Practice
• The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the nation’s heart charity, dedicated to saving lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information. But we urgently need help. We rely on donations of time and money to continue our life-saving work. Because together we can beat heart disease.
• For more information visit bhf.org.uk