RESIDENTS are being urged to gear up for the Tour of Britain by making some healthy lifestyle changes.

The Tour of Britain comes to east Cheshire on Tuesday, September 6 – 100 days from this Saturday.

In preparation for the big event, Cheshire East Council (CEC) is backing Public Health England’s ‘One You’ campaign and urging residents make a few changes that will affect their health and wellbeing.

Dr Heather Grimbaldeston, Director of Public Health for Cheshire East, said: “In our increasingly busy lives, it is sometimes difficult to find time to think about our overall health, especially when it doesn’t always appear that there might be a specific reason to do so.

“We realise that this is the case and so we are doing more to signpost people towards information and resources that could be very beneficial to them.”

Public Health England’s ‘One You’ campaign, which launched in March, is aimed at helping adults in the north west avoid future diseases caused by modern day life.

Dr Rebecca Wagstaff, deputy director, health and wellbeing, Public Health England North West said: “Modern day life makes it hard for people to live healthily, with bigger portions for everything we eat, a desk-bound job or a long commute.

“One You gives people the chance to reappraise their lifestyle choices, put themselves first and do something about their own health before it’s too late.”

With the Tour of Britain looming ever-closer, health chiefs at CEC has issued some tips to help residents shape up in time for the summer.

These include advising residents to start the day with a healthy breakfast and ensure they have at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.

Council health experts also advised moving more, whether this is simply be a walk around the block or taking the stairs instead of using the lift.

Residents aged 40-74 are advised to attend their NHS health check every five years, which can spot the early signs of health conditions, such as high blood pressure.

Keeping a lid on stress is also advised, with cycling mooted as a successful stress reliever.

Councillor Paul Bates, CEC Cabinet member for communities and health, said: “Knowing that there will be hundreds of dedicated professional cyclists coming through our towns and villages needs to be a starting point rather than the end of the journey.

“So get out there, do your bit and enjoy a fabulous summer.”