Touchscreen technology offers healthy help

People across Leeds are getting a chance to try innovative touchscreen technology to access free health advice from special ‘One You’ kiosks.

The kiosks allow users to take the popular ‘How Are You’ test devised by Public Health England, which can point people in the best direction to look after their health.

Councillor Rebecca Charlwood, Chair of Leeds health and Wellbeing Board, said:

“These kiosks are great, and the test is a really good way to get a flavour of how your health is. I’d encourage people to give it a go, either at one of the kiosks or online. It certainly made me think about my lifestyle!”

Dr Ian Cameron, Leeds City Council Director of Public Health, said:

“How Are You is an excellent way for people to check out their lifestyle and see how they could make simple changes which could make a big difference. Evidence shows that everyday habits and behaviours such as not being active enough, drinking more than recommended, continuing to smoke and eating too much unhealthy food, are to blame for around 40% of all deaths in England, and cost the NHS more than £11 billion a year.

“That’s why we want people to take on board the ‘One You’ message which encourages adults, particular those in middle age, to take control of their health and so enjoy significant benefits now and in later life.”

Dr Gordon Sinclair, Chair of NHS Leeds West CCG said:

“We are delighted to back these kiosks and help people access the How Are You test and valuable One You support throughout the city. Investing in long term prevention is at the heart of helping people with their health and we can all play our part in that by looking after ourselves.”

The kiosks have been set up at:

· Holt Park Active

· Ministry of Food, Kirkgate Market

· Horsforth Community Hub

· Headingley Stadium Café

· Armley One Stop Centre

The How Are You test is not a medical assessment – if you are worried about your health you should speak to a health professional.

Notes for editors

More details of the How Are You quiz are at: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/hay

One You advice and support for Leeds is at: www.oneyouleeds.org.uk

Kiosk venues:

· Holt Park Active, Holtdale Approach Leeds LS16 7RX

· Ministry of Food, Leeds Kirkgate Market, 34 George St, Leeds LS2 7HY

· Horsforth Community Hub, Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5BL

· Headingley Stadium Café, Leeds LS6 3BR

· Armley One Stop Centre, 2 Stockshill, Leeds LS12 1UQ