Reasons to Start Walking
There may be many reasons why you don't walk much at the moment. Most people give one of three excuses.
It's not safe!
I don't have time!
What's the point?
Below are some of the benefits:
For the individual
- Regular exercise is an ideal way to feeling healthier
- Reduces risk of developing heart disease and stroke
- Helps prevent high blood pressure
- Helps control weight
- Helps reduce stress
- Maintains good mental health
- Improved financial benefits i.e. no petrol, car parking, and reduced maintenance bills
- Take a look at the views below, it is fun!
For the employer
- Healthier employee group = less time off sick
- Reduced stress and improved ability to cope with demands of the job
- Reduced demand for car parking
- Fitter and more productive workforce
- Setting a good example
- Achieving NHS objectives
- Reduced congestion and pollution making the whole business function more efficiently
For the environment
- Reduced pollution (pollution can lead to eye irritation, headaches, breathing related illnesses such as asthma/bronchitis - can also damage plants and buildings)
- Wider effects of pollution are climate change and thinning of the protective ozone layer. Greater exposure to the sun's rays can lead to risks of skin cancer and eye cataracts
- Traffic congestion can lead to noise pollution and also increase the potential for road traffic accidents to occur.
Why not try an organised walk?
Milton Keynes Parks Trust organise a series of walks throughout the year. Visit their website to find out more information
www.mkparks.co.uk
Useful Walking/Ramblers Websites
The Ramblers Association Website
Ramblers Holidays
Walking Britain
European Ramblers Association
Disabled Ramblers Website
Walking, the way to good health
The UK Website for Walkers
Walking Website
Nordic Walking
Sustainable Transport in Milton Keynes Home Page
