Health bosses at NHS Yorkshire and the Humber are urging children and their parents to stay healthy by walking to school.
This week (21- 25 May) is National “Walk to School 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.
A good way to ensure youngsters get the exercise they need safely is to organise a walking bus. All over Yorkshire and the Humber region parents have organised walking busses where parents work on a rota system to walk from their home to school picking up other local children on the way. Why not contact your school to see if you can get involved with an existing walking bus or start your own.
Whilst making their way to school on foot, children can socialise with their friends, get some fresh air and take in local wildlife.
Director for public health at NHS North of England, Professor Paul Johnstone, said:
“More and more children are now being driven to school in a car, especially as parents are increasingly concerned about their children’s safety. In fact, about 50 percent of children don’t walk to school on a regular basis. This trend is contributing to the rise in childhood obesity due to lack of exercise.
“The NHS in Yorkshire and the Humber region is encouraging people to make small changes to their lives by eating well and moving more. Walking to school is an enjoyable and easy way for children to get more exercise, five days a week.
“NHS Yorkshire and the Humber is committed to giving people in the region the help and information they need to lead a healthy lifestyle.”
For further information contact:
Carl Jessop
NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, part of NHS North of England
0113 2952111
