Walk your way to better health

Walking is without doubt an effective way of getting regular exercise and all the benefits this brings into your life, according to the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPANI).

This message was in response to the recent publication of research that suggested that only vigorous exercise was beneficial in preventing early deaths from heart disease.

Commenting on the research, Siobhan Weir, HPA Physical Activity Programme Manager, said: "Most people are now aware that regular, moderate physical activity can improve physical and mental health on a number of fronts. It can reduce stress, lower cholesterol, and help to protect us from a number of major health problems such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, osteoporosis and Type II diabetes.

"It is likely that the more vigorously one exercises, the greater the overall protective effect, but our major concern is with the many people who currently undertake little or no physical activity. In this area, research has shown that getting people to take some moderate activity as opposed to being sedentary is likely to have the greatest beneficial effect on their health."

Siobhan said the greatest challenge for HPANI was getting this information to the public in a clear and accessible way as well as finding ways of motivating people to take action, encouraging them to make sustainable changes in their lifestyles that will improve their health.

"Our research has shown that brisk walking is one of the most accessible, attractive and sustainable forms of exercise available, especially for those who have been fairly inactive or for whom more vigorous or intense exercise is impossible or unappealing.’

"So our message is quite clear. To protect and improve our mental and physical health we need to get at least half an hour of moderate physical activity most days of the week. If walking appeals to you then get your most supportive shoes on and go walking," she concluded.

(MB)