A hundred north-east nurses will help researchers investigate how to make the north-east a healthier place.
Each will wear a smartphone on their belt to analyse their physical activity in a week in the innovative venture.
It is part of a research project being conducted by Aberdeen University in conjunction with NHS Grampian.
The initiative was just one area of discussion as Aberdeenshire’s Integration Joint Board – made up of council staff and NHS staff – met yesterday to discuss the impact of obesity and dementia in the area.
Susan Webb, director of public health at NHS Grampian, drew on statistics that showed as many as one in 10 children aged five in the north-east are obese, while 25% are overweight.
She added: “Obesity levels are rising for adults in Scotland’s population overall, but there is also an increasing trend in Aberdeenshire.
“We absolutely must take the issue seriously.
“But the good news is that obesity is preventable and we are seeing great practices across the northeast to create a healthier population.”
The Board discussed the wider issue that TV and adverts and factors outwith the board’s control were playing a part and acknowledged that more could be done on a nationwide level to help encourage change on the ground in Aberdeenshire.
Members also discussed a new dementia strategy to help focus on the specific needs of sufferers in the north-east and raise awareness of the help available.
It was explained the draft strategy had garnered “really positive” feedback so far.
The ten-year strategy aims to help those living with dementia and their families.
There are over 3,000 people living with dementia in Aberdeenshire and during the period 2018/2019 there were 471 new diagnoses of dementia in the region.
In addition, there are estimated to be 1,000 people living with dementia in Aberdeenshire who have not received a diagnosis.
Councillor Ann Ross welcomed the focused strategy, and said: “Dementia care at the moment is erratic.
“In Banchory we are lucky to have a really good third sector organisation in the community that helps signpost people to help in the area, but not every town has that support”
The dementia strategy and obesity report can be viewed online.
