New research highlighting a lack of awareness of some basic health indicators was released by Aviva today coinciding with the announcement that the insurer had joined Change4Life, the Department of Health’s high profile movement.
New research highlighting a lack of awareness of some basic health indicators was released by Aviva today coinciding with the announcement that the insurer had joined Change4Life, the Department of Health’s high profile movement.
Whilst over eight out of 10 (86%) people surveyed for the Aviva MyHealthCounts study knew their weight, fewer than half (42%) were aware of their blood pressure. This fell to only 30% when it came to cholesterol. On further inspection the statistics become more worrying. Only one in six (16%) people aged 36-45 know their cholesterol level despite this being a key time when people can lower their risk.
The new adult message from Change4Life concentrates on the "Swap it, don’t Stop it" message to show simple steps that can be taken to help improve health without having to resort to extreme measures. It aims to show that even a few changes and a basic understanding of your current state of health is a good starting point.
Dr Doug Wright, clinical spokesperson for Aviva Health, said: "High blood pressure and cholesterol have been linked to heart disease, a leading cause of death in the UK. These statistics are worrying and highlight that we, as a nation, need to take more control over our health. Small steps such as those advocated by Change4Life can have a hugely beneficial impact on your health.
"To help and encourage our own customers to take steps to lead a healthier lifestyle we’ve added MyHealthCounts to our private health insurance. Keeping fit isn’t just about visiting the gym. Simply going for a brisk walk, gardening or even shopping all help contribute to improving your fitness. Coupling this with a healthy well-balanced diet can make a real difference. That’s why we reward our customers with up to 15% discount off their health insurance renewal premium for demonstrating good health, whatever steps they take to get there."
Designed by medical experts, MyHealthCounts contains a wealth of invaluable information including a health assessment tool and an online coach offering personalised advice on the simple steps individuals can take to improve their health, echoing that Change4Life initiative.
Recognising that many people may not know their true health measurements, Aviva has also arranged preferential rates for its health insurance customers for pharmacy health checks at over 600 pharmacies across the UK.
Aviva is also supporting Change4Life through its position as the number one sponsor of UK Athletics. As well as supporting the Aviva GB & NI Team athletes in both competition and training, Aviva is providing opportunities for every child in the UK to get involved in athletics through the Aviva UKA Academy. These programmes, supporting both elite and grassroots sport, showcase Aviva’s ambition to help improve the nation’s health and wellbeing.
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For further information, please contact:
Amber Scott
Telephone: 0238 035 9383
E-mail: amber.chable@aviva.co.uk
Notes to editors:
MyHealthCounts, an innovative health management service that encourages individuals to take pro-active steps to improve their lifestyle and rewards them with up to 15% MyHealthCounts discount for demonstrating good health. This is awarded off the customer’s next private health insurance renewal premium irrespective of whether they have made a claim on their policy.
Aviva will also be making MyHealthCounts available to businesses in the UK, to help them manage the health of their employees more effectively.
Health and Wellbeing from Aviva
Established in 1990 as the healthcare arm of Norwich Union, Norwich Union Healthcare was re-branded to Aviva in 2009. We provide a range of private medical insurance, income protection, occupational health and group life products and services that cover over 2,400,000 lives. We are one of the largest providers of income protection, group life and private medical insurance in the UK.
Norwich Union Occupational Health, a sister company of Norwich Union Healthcare, was also re-branded to Aviva in 2009. Occupational Health provides occupational health solutions and services to a wide range of industry sectors. By utilising their large fleet of purpose built mobile clinics and approved medical centres, staffed by a team of experienced occupational physicians and nursing staff, the services are designed to meet the individual needs of clients.
Aviva Health UK Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and is a member of the Association of British Insurers and the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Aviva’s news releases and a selection of images are available from Aviva’s internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media.
UK Athletics
Aviva has been proud to be the number one sponsor of UK Athletics since 1999 and is committed to developing the sport at every level from the playground to the podium.
In 2010 we will put on six world class athletics events on home soil and help the Aviva GB & NI junior, senior and disability teams as they prepare for all major events and championships. Through the Aviva UKA Academy it is our aim that by 2012, we’ll have given every child in the UK the opportunity to get involved in athletics.
Aviva is the world’s fifth largest* insurance group, serving 50 million customers across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. We are the largest insurance services provider in the UK and one of the leading providers of life and pension products in Europe.
The Aviva media centre at www.aviva.com/media includes images, company and product information and a news release archive. For more information on our athletics sponsorship visit www.aviva.co.uk/athletics.
About Aviva
Aviva, the international savings, investments and insurance group, is the world’s fifth largest insurance group, serving 50 million customers across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.
In the UK, Aviva is a leading provider of life, pensions, investment, general insurance and health products to more than 20 million customers. Aviva also provides roadside assistance through RAC. Products are distributed through a number of channels including IFAs, brokers, corporate partners and direct to customers via the internet.
Aviva's UK Insurance business has a market share of around 15%, making it the largest general insurer in the UK. The business is focused on insurance for individuals and small businesses.
Aviva's life and pensions business in the UK has a total market share of 10.6% and a top three position in its key markets of savings, protection, and annuities.
Aviva’s news releases and a selection of images are available from the internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media.
About Change4Life
Change4Life is a groundbreaking movement bringing government, community groups, health workers, teachers, and businesses together. Its shared goal is to help everyone eat well, move more and live longer. Since its launch in January 2009, over 436,000 families have signed up to Change4Life. For more information visit www.nhs.uk/change4life.