STAFF and members of Alton Cardiac Rehab have been busy celebrating the 100th birthday of regular exerciser John Hayman.

During his regular visit to the centre, the centenarian was presented with a card, balloon and a cake on August 24.

John, who has only recently given up playing golf, and before that regularly played tennis, squash and rode horses, has been exercising at Cardiac Rehab since 2009.

Mr Hayman is a shining example of the work of Rehab in using exercise to promote good health.

The benefits of regular exercise are legion. It reduces the risk of a large number of medical conditions including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, several types of cancer, osteoporosis, falls and fractures.

Moreover exercise is a highly effective treatment for any of these conditions once they have developed. Regular exercise lengthens lifespan but more importantly it reduces the duration of ill health and dependency at the end of life.

The Cardiac Rehab Staywell programme is only one way for older people to maintain physical fitness. Walking for Health, the sports centre Health and Fun Club, the GP Referral for Exercise scheme are some of the alternatives.

Anyone interested in joining the Rehab programme can call 01420 544794 for more details.