OUR recent survey shows that 82 per cent of workers in the North-East are failing to get the recommended amount of exercise each week. Some 35 per cent also revealed they are too embarrassed to get hot and sweaty in front of their colleagues and 43 per cent are spending more than half of their day sitting or standing still.

This is worrying as statistics show that, at the current rate of waistline expansion, more than a third of men and over a quarter of women will be obese in just five years, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

That’s why we’re asking everyone in the region to start getting fit and healthy during the working week by joining our Health at Work programme.

Our Health at Work website is packed with tips for a healthy workforce, including information about how to start a health club in your workplace, healthy eating and fitness guides, e-newsletters, and the chance to order a Think Fit pack which includes activity wall planners and posters. What’s more, it’s free to join. Readers can find out more by visiting bhf.org.uk/healthatwork Lisa Purcell, Project Manager, Health at Work, British Heart Foundation, London.