Join LimbPower, Limbless Association, Blesma, Douglas Bader Foundation, Reach, Steps, Ability Matters, Dorset Orthopaedic, Limb Solutions, the London Prosthetic Centre, Opcare, Ossur, Ottobock, Pace Rehab, ProActive Prosthetics, and the Steeper Group throughout April to raise awareness of limb loss and limb difference, to support and encourage members of our community as they build their independence through increased mobility.

Join our social media campaign called #GetMoving to raise awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of engaging in physical activity. This year, our focus is on moving more at home, in the office and at school.

What you can do
Make small changes to your daily habits to increase your fitness. Below are some hints and tips to get you started.

Limb Loss Awareness Month
A few tips for being more active in the home and improving your health.

#Move More at home

1. Clear your clutter.
Don’t wait until the weekend to clean your home; spend some time every day tidying up. Housework is good exercise!

2. Get off the sofa
Use the advertisement breaks to get off the sofa, stretch or move about. You could even play a game and touch as many objects as you can, in the living room before your programme starts again.

3. Move More
Balance on one leg while brushing your teeth. When moving around your house don’t just walk forward try sideways walking and backwards walking or pushing to get different muscles stronger.

4. Make your cup of tea
Increase your independence by making your own tea and snacks, which will involve moving more.

5. One step at a time
Walking up just two flights of stairs every day will burn enough calories to lose six pounds in one year. Set yourself a daily goal starting with one flight of stairs. A typical staircase has ten steps.

6. Get some fresh air
There is a link between levels of fitness and time spent outdoors, so get out more if you can. Think about short car journeys, can they be done on public transport or by walking - save the environment and your health.

#Move More at work

Limb Loss Awareness Month
A few tips for being more active in the office and improving your health.

1. Talk standing up.
Whenever talking on the telephone, stand up if you can and walk, wheel or pace.

2. Time out
Set an alarm and stand every 30 minutes or every hour to burn calories and prevent lower back pain.

3. Water weights
Fill a bottle with water and do strength training exercises like pressing the bottle of water over your head or bicep curls.

4. Take Control
When you stand up and sit down, try not to use your hands to lift you off the seat. Try to use both your leg muscles and core muscles to control your movement when you rise from sitting or when you lower yourself from standing.

5. One step at a time
Walking just two flights of stairs a day can burn enough calories to lose six pounds in a year. Set yourself a daily goal starting with one flight of stairs. A typical staircase has ten steps.

6. Working lunch
Use your lunch hour to walk or exercise. Remember to eat something healthy. If you get stuck at your desk for long periods of time, do some toe taps. Keep a tennis ball under your desk and roll the ball around with your feet!