'Life. Be in it.' comes back to our telly to fight the OBESITY EPIDEMIC

Clearly, the time is right for a few friendly reminders and to support programs aimed at helping us become healthier and happier. It’s time to LIVE MORE OF YOUR LIFE and BE MORE ACTIVE!!!

Norm’ and many endearing characters of 'Life. Be In It.' are welcomed back to our screens from New Year’s Day, thanks to the generosity of all major Australian television networks who have enthusiastically embraced the relaunch campaign that had its national launch in 1975 in the Whitlam "Its Time" era.

Michele Levine, CEO of Australia’s longest-established and most trusted research organisation, Roy Morgan, has agreed to join me to provide a new index to track Australians’ health. ‘The Life Be In It Wellness Index’?. Roy Morgan data scientists have analysed over a quarter of a million in-depth interviews with Australians since 2017.

This exceptionally robust study shows that the lockdowns have had a negative impact on Australians’ choices in terms of food and exercise resulting in a decline in overall health and well-being.

A (too) large proportion of the population has heard PM Albanese guarantee to work for all those who feel that they have been left behind. The index shows that nearly one in three Australians are at higher risk from Covid now and it's time again for a wake-up call.

The original campaign is still fondly remembered by eight out of ten Aussies who remember the seventies which was largely funded by the Victorian Government. Considered possibly the most effective health initiative ever in Australia, the ads promoted the simplest messages (like getting up off the couch and getting active) without preaching or being accusatory in the least.

Michele Levine says: “I have spent my 40-year career in research, essentially an independent ‘observer’ – systematically asking people questions, listening to what they say and seeking to understand and report people’s views faithfully to ensure decision-makers are making the best possible evidence-based decisions. I’m now delighted to be part of what I believe will be a powerful movement – to help us all live more of our lives and, in doing so, stave off so many of the ills of our modern lives – and have fun doing it.”

'Life Be In It'?, a registered Australian charity has an overall aim of engendering health, hope and happiness for all Australians, with a strong focus on family, children, parents, and community.

The organisation intends to have a positive influence in five key spheres – health, sport and recreation, work, education & community.

Life Be In It aims to provide or support programs to:

* Reduce chronic illness and improve health

* Increase engagement in, and enjoyment of sports for all

* Reduce unemployment as the biggest risk of ten preventable chronic diseases

* Improve overall education, exercise and enjoyment of life by engaging and empowering local communities to get out and get active.

A group of Norm’s closest friends have recreated the iconic original TV ads, originally envisioned by Phillip Adams and created by legendary artist, Alex Stitt in 1975 and upgraded by Media director Marcus Tarrant and his mates. The new versions are all in widescreen HD and carry the same gentle reminders to get up off the couch and exercise. All major networks have the new TV ads on hand. They are also accessible on YouTube.