The report outlines key actions to improve heart health which include having a healthy diet and weight, taking enough physical activity, stopping smoking, avoiding excess alcohol and encouraging and supporting the take up of NHS Health Checks.
The report also provides a local overview of heart health in the borough to support Kingston's commitment to joining the pan-London Million Hearts and Minds campaign. The campaign sets out tangible goals for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Cllr Sabah Hamed, Kingston Council's Portfolio Holder for Public Health says:
The report shows Kingston has made good progress on heart health over the last 20 years - but we still have a way to go in certain areas. The gains are there to be achieved, and by improving heart health, earlier diagnosis of risks to heart health, making every contact count and signposting to support, we will also reduce health inequalities in the borough - something that we have committed to across all of our planning and strategies.
Reducing health inequalities and improving healthier outcomes for all ages, are priorities in the Kingston Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2025-28.
The Kingston Director of Public Health Annual Report follows the publication of Kingston's Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-28.
Start Well, Live Well, Age Well addresses the key health challenges for people of all ages in Kingston, aiming to reduce health inequalities and increase the time all of Kingston's residents can enjoy in good health. The strategy sets out the top three priority actions to improve health outcomes of residents at each life stage.
The strategy focuses on 'healthy lifestyle' both diet and exercise for all ages and particularly staying active in later life, and supporting 'good mental health'. It also focuses on respiratory health in earlier years, reducing the harm from tobacco, alcohol and other substances, and supporting older people to stay in their own homes for longer.
Cllr Hamed says:
If we want to improve health outcomes, prevention of ill health and early intervention are key, and this is even more important when tackling health inequalities. Establishing healthy lifestyle habits and good mental health can help to support our residents to stay healthier for longer through all life stages.
You can read the Director of Public Health Annual Report on our data website
You can read the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-28 on our website