Press Release London Marathon

John Cowan Labour Parliamentary Candidate for South East Cambridgeshire today wished good luck to people from South East Cambridgeshire taking part in the Virgin Active London Marathon.

Running is a great way of keeping healthy and avoiding the problems associated with obiesity.

Real Progress on the NHS

The Kings Fund report out today shows the real progress that has resulted from Labour's commitment and record investment in the NHS.

The reduction in waiting times is very welcome.

The challenge for the NHS over the next few years is dealing with the health inpacts of rising levels of Alcohol and the problems caused by obesity.

In England 46% of men and 32% of women are overweight with a Body Mass Index of over 25-30,

Whist 17% of men and 21% of Women are classed at obese ie BMI over 30.

Oh and before you get the idea that I am some mega skinny person telling you about this I have to confess to my own battle with weight I am currently 14 and half stone battling to get down to 13 stone.

Child Obesity rates leveling off

Some really good news today as the rise in childhood Obesity rates seems to have levelled off.

Back in September I meet with Health Secretary Andy Burnham where we discussed the Governments 5 a day Healthy eating campaign.

The key for Government both local and national is to encourage the concept of a healthy lifestyle with a good diet and regular exercise.

Their is proven link between poverty and bad health for example men in Chelsea and Kensington live to 83.1 years on average compared to 73 years in Manchester.

Ideally not only would it be good for the gap to narrow but for the men to live longer in Chelsea and Kensington as well.