Story: Derrick Okrah
One of our own, Patrick Edwards, has received an UnLtd grant to start a business as a fitness instructor. As a community writer, I believe this is something we should all welcome.
Health issues have become one of the government’s number one priorities, from the complete change of school meals to many NHS-funded fitness centres. The people of Bungreave are not left out in this race to keep our community healthy, as Patrick intends to run his fitness services right here:
“This is as an opportunity to restore the image of our community by making this accessible to anyone who wants to improve on their well-being.My background is in community development and health. I have attended various courses to learn how to teach, motivate and support people in my community and also in the Health and Fitness field”
Patrick has worked as part of a G.P referral gym. Keeping fit himself is not a problem with football coaching for the Multicultural Wanderers and refereeing every week. He also eats well and goes to the gym. Why is it important for people in Burngreave to keep fit?
“In most deprived areas like our own, people die earlier than in
more affluent areas. The onset of health-related disease is far greater in deprived areas (most notably CHD, Strokes, Obesity and Diabetes). The average life expectancy at birth in Burngreave is around 72 years compared to 77 years for Sheffield generally.”
Only 35% of people in Sheffield are active enough to avoid health risks. 50% of the City’s adult population is overweight and 1 in 6 adults are obese. Only 25% of women meet the minimum weekly levels of activity and over 40% are completely sedentary. 61% of people over 60 are sedentary and only 13% of those achieve minimum weekly levels of activity (Active Burngreave and Your Sheffield Feb 2006). This is worrying not just for the people of Burngreave but Sheffield and the nation as a whole.
Patrick is based at Burngreave Community Action Forum, 12 Burngreave Road, and is offering a free 30 minute consultation and, for the first 6 months, sessions will be at a discount rate. Early sessions will include blood pressure; lung function and BMI (body mass index) tests. Sessions are mainly evenings, weekends and most days: “this is about suiting individual needs.”
“Please be more aware and responsible for your health. Eat well and exercise a bit, if not a lot. If you need any help and advice, don’t hesitate to stop by. I would be glad to help”
Community Health Instructor, Patrick Edwards
Personal Fitness Training, Nutrition and Wellbeing advice
Office: 0114 250 2710
Mobile: 07747 831 856
12 Burngreave Road, Sheffield S3 9DD