Health bosses at NHS Yorkshire and the Humber are urging people in the region to leave their car at home and walk to work for the sake of their health.
This week (14-18 May) is Walk to Work Week. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise as it is low impact, with a low risk of injury or accident, yet it is still good for the heart, lungs, muscles and bones.
Director for public health at NHS North of England, Paul Johnstone, said:
“Walking is one of the easiest and most practical ways to get your required amount of exercise. Walking for just half an hour each day can help to improve your fitness levels and reduce stress.
“You don’t have to go up hill and down dale to make sure you do some walking, leaving the car at home, parking a few streets away from work or getting off the bus one or two stops early are good ways to make sure you cover the miles.”
To count as moderate exercise you should walk at a speed of about four miles an hour, which is about the pace you’d walk if late for an appointment. Do this five times a week and you’ll soon feel the difference.
Three steps to better health
1) If possible leave the car at home and walk to work. If it’s not possible park a few streets away from work and walk the rest of the way
2) Get off the bus one or two stops early and walk the rest of the way
3) Get some fresh air and go for a short walk during your lunch hour at work
For further information contact:
Carl Jessop
NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, part of NHS North of England
0113 2952111
Notes to editors
Walk to work week is organised by Living Streets, a charity which stands up for pedestrians. By going to http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-with-us/walking-and-work you can log your miles and monitor your progress.
