A HOSPITAL is helping to promote awareness around the five biggest killers of adults in the UK.

BMI Healthcare, which runs a private hospital, in Southend, is behind a campaign to encourage people to review their lifestyles and make a pledge to improve their health.

It comes after figures were released on premature deaths from cancer, heart disease and stroke, lung and liver disease.

In Southend, 1,508 people under 75 died from these diseases, between 2009 and 2011, ranking it 68th out of 150 local authorities in England. The borough had more deaths from cancer than any other disease.

There were 106 deaths per 100,000 people. The campaign’s five pledges are to improve diet, get people exercising more, quit smoking, drink less alcohol and be more aware of potential health problems.

Kirsty Baker, executive director at BMI Southend Hospital said, said: “Cancer, heart disease, liver disease, lung disease and strokes are never entirely preventable, but through making simple changes people can reduce their risks. If that message gets through to one person the campaign will have been a success.”

Visit www.bmibighealthpledge.co.uk to complete a health survey and identify what health pledge you could make to see long term benefits to your health.