Description
Lincolnshire faces significant health challenges due to an ageing population, rural and coastal geography, and high levels of deprivation. The county has higher rates of obesity, inactivity, and smoking compared to the national average, leading to greater ill-health and economic impact. Health inequalities are strongly linked to deprivation, with coastal communities experiencing some of the worst health outcomes in England. The prevalence of long-term conditions, especially among older residents, is expected to rise.
Preventative action is crucial to improving health and reducing future demands on health services. Research indicates that much ill-health is preventable, with significant portions of heart disease, cancers, dementia, chronic respiratory disease, and type 2 diabetes being avoidable by addressing the following areas, making it easier for individuals to address multiple risk factors and enhance their health:
Tobacco smoking (from age 12)
Physical inactivity
Adult Adult and child obesity (including food, nutrition, and maintaining a healthy weight)
Excessive alcohol consumption
Falls prevention
To achieve this, the Council plans to commission a Tier 1 and Tier 2 Integrated Lifestyle Support Service (ILS). This service will offer information, health promotion, digital self-help (Tier 1), and direct support (Tier 2) to help residents adopt healthier lifestyles. The service will address smoking, physical inactivity, and obesity, making it easier for individuals to tackle multiple risk factors and improve their health.