NEWS
- From behind the scenes footage of our beloved dachshund, Stanley, to the latest in health news, plus a quick fire 60 second interview with our Ambassador Tracey Neville, we bring you the latest from inside Vitality and beyond -
Stanley, like you’ve never seen him before!
A first look behind the scenes of our newest advert
Hopefully, it hasn’t escaped your notice that Stanley – the beloved Vitality dachshund – returned to our screens recently. And for those of you who knew him previously might have noted his refreshed can-do attitude. To capture his newfound love for activity and motivating persona, we took him for a walk in the woods where he charmed and stole the hearts of all, particularly our crew. From here, the scenes for our latest ad campaign were born. Get ready for a tail-wagging treat and enjoy some exclusive behind-the-scenes footage below.
Trust your gut
We don’t just think with our brain, our gut also has a mind of its own
Often coined our ‘second brain’, the gut’s unique network of nerve cells (around 428,000 to be precise) spring into action the moment food passes our lips. Staggeringly, this sophisticated network uses the same chemicals and cells that the brain uses to digest our food. It can also alert our brain to when something is amiss. The lynchpin for this interaction is the vagus nerve, which sends these signals from the digestive system to the brain. However, is it something we cannot consciously control. Ever had a gut-feeling? Then you have probably been on the receiving end of it.
We have around
nerve cells in our gut
Can exercise prevent dementia?
Research shows 40% of dementia cases could be prevented by changes to our lifestyle
Likely anyone who’s been for a run or brisk walk will vouch for how they’ve felt better afterwards. But according to new findings, vigorous activities – such as running, jogging or hill cycling – are more effective in reducing dementia mortality rate than moderate activity, like swimming or water aerobics. Published in December 2023, the Lancet Healthy Longevity paper also pointed out that around 40% of all dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by changes to lifestyle – one of which is physical activity. Other research, meanwhile, found that going for a run or working out can lower our risk of dementia by 33%. Another study, suggests that walking just 4,000 steps a day can reduce our risk of dementia by as much as 25%.
Vitality Roses storm to victory
England’s national netball team emerged victorious in a nail-biting International Series against South Africa
The Vitality Roses were crowned queens of the court in December after avenging their defeat in Game Two to steal a three-goal win in the third match against SPAR Proteas, South Africa’s national team.
The Vitality Player of the Match, and overall Series, was Roses Captain Fran Williams, who formed a solid defensive coalition with Funmi Fadoju.
After the match, Fran said: “We had to grind out a win from leading in the first game, try and chase a win yesterday and then, today, lead narrowly in a close game but get the result over the line in the final few minutes.”
Meanwhile, Head Coach, Jess Thirlby, added: “We’ve got an incredibly talented, exciting group that are already showing signs [of] how to grind out wins, even when it might not be perfect, but I’m really excited about the potential.”
60 SECONDS
Vitality Ambassador and netball coaching veteran, Tracey Neville, reveals what lies ahead for her in 2024
1. What lessons are you taking forward from 2023?
A positive lesson I’ve learnt in 2023 is to have fun. I do self-reflect a lot more now and have realised that my personality is one of my huge strengths, not only at work, but in my personal environment too. So, I will try to bring that energy to every occasion.
2. What are you hoping 2024 will bring?
One word I would definitely use is ‘excitement’. There’s a lot to look forward to this year, both personally and professionally, so I’m excited to see where everything lands. I’d like to win a Grand Final with my netball team [Melbourne Mavericks] and, personally, spend as much time with my family.
3. What new habits are you adopting in 2024?
I’d like to add the ‘30-minute a day’ philosophy into my life. It doesn’t have to be hard, just dedicating more ‘me time’ to myself.
4. Is there anything else?
Another one is something I do for my son all the time – meal prepping. I think the ‘grab’ lifestyle needs to go and the prep stuff needs to start.
5. Do you think you will stick to it?
We all have our good and bad days. No doubt I sure will. But having a contingency plan in place will help if it doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen.
6. How will you stay motivated?
For me, it’s about having short-term, daily goals and giving myself enough time to work towards them, and for my own timeout as well. Most importantly, it’s about having fun with it.
Read the full interview with Tracey here.
We are constantly looking for new ways to embed sustainability into Vitality, as we recognise the importance of reducing our carbon footprint across our business as a whole.
That’s one of the reasons why we have decided to take Vitality Magazine, our voice to connect with our members and beyond, digital. We want to connect with you in new and exciting ways, so that you are able to lead happier and healthier lives, as our unique insurance model, vows to achieve. Being a force for good has always been a core part of Vitality’s values and it is important to us that we move forward with shifting expectations, and use our influence for positive change towards a healthier planet and healthier people.
Chief Sustainability Officer
ON OUR RADAR
BRAIN FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
BOOK
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
In his recently updated and expanded book, Hal Elrod aims to transform your early morning routine with six simple habits
FILM
The Colour Purple
Musical adaptation of Spielberg’s 1985 classic based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about race and resilience.
TV
Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones
Author Dan Buettner discovers global communities enjoying longer, healthier lives due to their lifestyles.
PODCAST
Dish
Don’t miss broadcaster Nick Grimshaw and top chef Angela Hartnett talk good-time food for Waitrose & Partners.
LISTEN HERE
SOCIAL
@ThisGirlTaksMoney
Money-savvy tips for your social feed from author, speaker and ‘finfluencer’, Ellie Austin-Williams.
At Vitality, we’re all about encouraging you to make small, positive lifestyle choices that can make a big impact on your life.
That is why we offer partner benefits and rewards with a range of big brands. From cashback on Waitrose & Partners to monthly cinema tickets at Vue or ODEON on us, we’ve got something for all of the family to enjoy.
Find out more about our benefits through the Vitality Programme below.
