FROM THE GP’S SURGERY
MAY is National Walking Month and a good opportunity for people to remember the health benefits of even moderate exercise.
Organised by Living Streets – the UK charity for everyday walking – National Walking Month is aimed at getting people back on their feet.
Living Streets campaigns against the obstacles that stand in the way of a walking population, including pavement parking and a lack of pedestrian crossings.
This year they have introduced a pledge – #Try20. Throughout May, the Living Streets website will show 20 fun and easy ways to fit 20 minutes’ walking in to your day.
I’m supporting National Walking Month because anything that encourages and supports physical exercise is good for your health. The NHS recommends that we all remain physically active in order to remain healthy.
Walking regularly has been shown to cut the risk of chronic illnesses, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, stroke and even cancer.
In order to provide health benefits, your walking pace needs to be moderate. It’s best to build up to that if you’re getting back to health and it’s also important to wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
The NHS recommends that 10,000 steps per day is a good target and you’ll find it fairly easy to record them using a pedometer, or step counter, which you can either buy or download as a smartphone app.
If 10,000 steps sounds a lot, then it really isn’t. Most people walk several thousand steps a day.
Walking has the advantage of being free and can also save you money on public transport costs.
By fitting walking into your daily routine, it can be easy to do more walking, improve your health and feel good about yourself.
Try walking – not driving – to your local shop, get off the bus a stop early, and take advantage of the lighter nights to enjoy a daily constitutional.
Exercise boosts your mood and can be helpful in coping with stress, anxiety and other mental illnesses.
Walking can also help people to manage their weight. Through a combination of increased exercise and sensible dieting, it should be possible to achieve a healthier weight too.
So what are you waiting for? Put your best foot forward and walk your way towards better health this May.
For more visit www.livingstreets.org.uk
Dr Alexandra Phelan is a working NHS GP and online doctor with Pharmacy2U. For more details see Pharmacy2U.co.uk