Improve your health through walking in Wantage and Grove
Walking is almost the perfect exercise because it requires no equipment or expense and quickly brings benefits to your health. Health Walks schemes are designed to encourage people to walk at a pace which makes their heart beat slightly faster than normal and makes them breathe deeply, thereby giving both their heart and lungs a workout. The walks, which are usually 1, or perhaps 2, miles initially, are led by trained volunteers and are usually graded for different abilities, making them the perfect safe activity to join. The quote below from one Health Walk participant in Bristol gives a good idea about why these schemes are so successful;
“ Although initially I joined the group for my health, I am now finding the social side important, it's good for the mind, soul and body. I couldn't imagine my life now without my weekly walks with a great group of people."
Advice from the Chief Medical Officer for England stresses that adults need to be taking at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity a day in order to benefit our health and reduce the risk of various medical conditions, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Amazingly in this country 7 out of 10 people are not sufficiently active to meet the recommended levels of activity. One of the consequences of inactivity, especially when coupled with unhealthy diets, is a rise in obesity. Around 16% of 2 to 15 year olds are now classified as obese. Health Walks have been shown to help control weight gain and support weight reduction.
Lots of people already walk in and around Wantage and Grove but there are still many people who could benefit from the establishment of a Health Walk scheme in this area. A whole host of people are attracted to joining a Health Walk Scheme from all age groups. Some people want to do more exercise in a social environment, others want to lose weight, and some people use the walks to help in their recovery from an illness or operation.
The local NHS has teamed up with the County Council, District Council and Age Concern, local schools and the museum to start a scheme in Wantage and Grove and we are looking for participants to do the walks and also people wanting to help, whether it be in planning routes, or leading walks. There will be some open meetings held on 20th June at 7.30pm – 9pm and 27th June at 1pm – 2.30pm at the Training Suite, Centre Site, King Alfred’s School. These meetings will give you an opportunity to hear more about the proposed scheme and ask any questions that you may have and get involved if you wish to do so.
Contact Barbara Jordan on 01844 217904 for more information.
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