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Scots plan to have a healthy 2010
31/12/2009
61 per cent of Scots intend to make New Year resolutions that will improve their health and wellbeing, according to the findings of the new Scottish Opinion survey.
From loosing weight, to giving up smoking or taking more exercise, people are planning to make the switch to a healthier lifestyle.
Making greener choices is also popular New Year resolution choice - with respondents deciding that 2010 will see them plan to cycle more or swap either a car journey each week for public transport or walking.
Health Secretary, Nicola Sturgeon said:
"The start of a new year has always been the perfect time to make changes in our lives and I am pleased to see that the people of Scotland are committed to improving their health in 2010.
"We are determined to help the people of Scotland sustain and improve their health. And as 2014 and the Commonwealth Games draw closer our Games Legacy Plan, backed by £23.5 million, aims to inspire everyone to get involved and take advantage of this unique opportunity to become a healthier nation.
"41 per cent of people poled claimed that they were not going to make a resolution this year but there are small steps that everyone can take to improve their health - from taking the stairs instead of the lift to switching a to a healthy snack at lunch - that can have a big impact."
Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham added:
"It's fantastic to see many Scots are planning to go greener and healthier in 2010, by walking and cycling more and using the car less. And with many of us making a New Year's resolution to eat more healthily our own Scottish larder provides many of the ingredients for starting off the year with a better diet, helping both the environment and our waistlines. I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy, healthy and green New Year."
Omnibus research was conducted by Progressive Scottish Opinion over the week beginning December 10, 2009. 1008 individuals were asked a number of questions including 'Which of the following resolutions, if any, will you make in 2010?'.
- 61 per cent of New Years resolutions will aim to improve their health and wellbeing
- 17 per cent say "eating more healthily" will be their New Year Resolution
- 60 per cent were buying or using more local food this Christmas
- 26 per cent were planning to swap either one car journey each week for public transport or walking, or to walk or cycle more