AMBULANCE workers are being encouraged to join a new initiative called Fit Club.

Dr Andy Carson, medical director for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said there was strong scientific evidence that being physically active could help people lead a healthier and even happier life, whatever their age.

Dr Carson said: “People who take part in regular activity have a lower risk of many diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and some cancers.

“There is overwhelming research now that shows physical activity can also boost self-esteem, your mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

“For us, having healthy staff means happier staff who provide our patients with an even higher standard of care.

“That’s why we’re encouraging our staff to join a new initiative.”

Getting fit is one of the most popular new year’s resolutions, as well as eating more healthily, reducing alcohol intake and not smoking.

For more information about how to quit smoking, visit nhs.uk/Livewell/smoking/Pa ges/Gethelp.aspx.

To get fit, try the NHS Choices ‘Couch to 5k’ running challenge, which is online at nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/ get-running-with-couch-to- 5k.aspx For help to eat healthily, visit The Change for Life recipe finder online at nhs.uk/Change4Life/Pages/c hange-for-life.aspx.