Thousands take steps to better health

A HEALTH scheme aimed at encouraging more people to exercise has reached a major milestone.

The First Steps to Health and Wellbeing scheme involves GPs prescribing healthy activity to patients to encourage them to improve their lifestyle.

The patient attends a one-to-one session at one of West Lothian Leisure's eight venues, where a qualified exercise referral instructor designs an exercise package tailored to suit their needs.

The scheme is run through the Xcite health and wellbeing team across West Lothian and recently marked a milestone after helping its 4000th customer.

The programme's 4000th customer was Eleanor Omond, from Deans in Livingston.

After being diagnosed with angina, Eleanor was finding it difficult to keep her weight down. Her doctor recommended the health and wellbeing programme to help reduce her weight.

The project has been running since 2007.

Dr Cindy Brook, chair of West Lothian Leisure's board, said: "We are delighted 4000 patients have now taken part."