If there is one thing that equates to being healthy it is being physically active. More and more scientific evidence supports this notion. Being physically active is crucial to the mangement of obesity and all its complications, as well as in the prevention and management of heart disease and diabetes. It also helps relieve anxiety and depression.

But how do we get everyone moving a bit more? We need to look at this from an environmental viewpoint. We live in a sedentary, obesity promoting society where the opportunities to move around more have been taken away from us in the name of progress and modernisation. Unfortunately we have not adapted to this environment. Our genes are programmed to store fat efficiently. In a land of plenty, it is hard to avoid putting on weight, particularly with the over-abundance of energy dense high fat food.

To address the problem we need to look at all aspects of our environment. At the macro level we need to look at things like transport - better public transport, less use of cars, better cycleways, footpaths, recreational areas etc. Any measures to reduce use of cars will be good for our health.

At the micro level we need to seek opportunities to move around more. Maybe a bit more gardening, walking to the shops, school or work, walking the dog and even avoiding the remote control gadgets. Add to this some planned walking at your own comfortable pace. You don't need to get puffed out to get the health benefits. Try to do about half an hour a day of planned activity. Also minimise the number of hours spent in front of the TV or computer.

For those interested in gadgets there are pedometers that measure how many steps you take in a day and this gives you a basis on which to gradually increase your daily activity levels. For the really keen there is now the MIO which is a watch (without a chest band) that measures heart rate including percentage of maximum, calorie consumption during a session, as well as many other functions.

At the end of the day what really matters is the balance between energy in and energy out. Being as physically active as possible is the key to maintaining that balance particularly if you like your food (low fat of course) and the occasional drink.