Health quiz: Only 'One You', How are you?

‘One You’, a ground-breaking new campaign to help adults across the country avoid future diseases caused by modern day life is reaching out to Black African and Caribbean communities across England. One You’s aim is to encourage adults from these communities, in particular those in their middle age, to take control of their health to enjoy significant benefits now, and later in life.

It is well reported that Black Africans and Caribbeans are more at risk of preventable diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke than the general population. In comparison to the general UK population Black Africans and Caribbeans are up to 3 times more likely to have Type 2 Diabetes; twice as likely to have a stroke; and more likely to have high blood pressure. There is also a smoking prevalence of 37% among Black Caribbean men and 22% among Black Caribbean women compared to 22% (men) and 17% (women) in the UK general population. It is also forecasted that 1 in 4 Black men will get prostate cancer.

Modern day life makes it hard for people to live healthily, with bigger portions for everything we eat, a desk-bound job or a long commute. One You gives people the chance to reappraise their lifestyle choices, put themselves first and do something about their own health before it’s too late.

Professor Kevin Fenton, National Director, Public Health England said: “Many diseases that affect African and Caribbean people’s health and shorten their active lives can be prevented. We acknowledge that there are environmental pressures that make it difficult for people to make healthier choices, for example, working long hours and having to sit eight hours or more a day at work.

For the first time, Public Health England is launching a campaign that talks to adults directly about all of the things they can do to improve their health. We want to encourage African and Caribbean adults to start by taking a new online health quiz called ‘How Are You’. The short quiz asks people simple questions about their habits, health and how they are feeling and then provides a score with personalised tips and free tools to help them take action to improve their health.”

As part of the campaign, football pundit Chris Kamara features in a new short film which prompts adults to take a moment in their busy lives to ask themselves an important question we rarely have time to consider seriously: ‘How Are You?’ and encourage healthy changes by taking the online health quiz.

Since he hung up his football boots, Chris has made the commitment to stay fit and healthy. He wants to remind people that there’s never been a better time to look after yourself – after all, there’s only one you.

Football pundit Chris Kamara said: “As a former professional footballer, I like to try and keep in trim as much as I can, but it is far from easy sometimes when you are dashing around. I wanted to bring a bit of fun to being healthy with my film – it doesn’t have to start with a trek up a mountain or playing a full ninety minutes of football. Starting with a walk or a gentle jog round the block is the way to go, and the How Are You quiz can put you on the right path. Making those simple changes means you can take control of your health now, and will help you have a big impact in the future. Give it a go – even if you don’t like my film!”     

One You helps adults to move more, eat well, drink less alcohol and be smoke-free. One You will also provide information on how people can reduce their stress levels and how to sleep better.

The campaign is being supported by a wide range of exciting partners meaning that One You will be part of people’s day-to-day lives: on the high street, in local services, in pharmacies and GP surgeries, on the roads, and when shopping online.

Latest figures show that a life expectancy at older ages is at record levels, yet many are spending their retirement living in ill health. Currently fifteen million Britons are living with a long-term health condition, yet studies show living healthily in middle age can double your chances of being healthy when you are 70.

For more information and to take the ‘How Are You’ online quiz, search ‘One You’ online now or visit www.nhs.uk/oneyou/hay.