27 Oct 2017
Consultation sets out plans for Scotland to become a ‘Daily Mile' nation
BY Deven Pamben
Scotland plans to roll-out 'The Daily Mile' scheme to all educational facilities and workplaces in a bid to tackle obesity in the country.
Currently, the scheme involves primary-aged children running or walking for 15 minutes every day.
The pledge is part of ambitious plans to help people lose weight and were outlined in a 33-page consultation document, which was released on Thursday (26 October).
The consultation says: “Physical activity is about getting people moving. Daily walking, playing in a park, going to a gym, training with a team, or aspiring to win a gold medal – it doesn’t matter how people get active it just matters that we do. We want more people to be more active, more often.
“We are committed to Scotland becoming the first ‘Daily Mile’ nation, with rollout to nurseries, schools, colleges, universities and workplaces.”
The Scottish Government is also proposing the appointment of an Active Nation Commissioner, who will have the responsibility of delivering “world-class active travel infrastructure” across the country.
It vows to put active travel at the heart of its transport planning, increasing investment from £40m (US$52.7m, €45m) to £80m (US$105.4m, €90m) per year, from 2018-19.
Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell, who launched the consultation, said: “Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cancer cardiovascular disease and depression. Simply put, it’s harming the people of Scotland. It also puts pressure on the NHS, other public services and our economy.
“That is why we need commitment and action from everyone across all sectors and at all levels including government, citizens, the public sector and businesses right across the country.”
The consultation, which will run until 31 January 2018 is available here.
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