- Keep your heart 'strong' and reduce blood pressure
- Help to manage your weight
Why is walking the perfect activity for health?
Almost everyone can do it
You can do it anywhere and any time
It's a chance to make new friends
It's free and you don't need special equipment
You can start slowly and build up gently
Don't just take our word for it ... look at what professional bodies have to say: (click on links at foot of page to view text of endorsement statements)
1. British Association for Cardiac Rehabilitation The British Association for Cardiac Rehabilitation (BACR) has issued a two-part statement which is of importance to Walking for Health.
One part of the statement endorses the initiative and the other provides advice on cardiac patients' participation in 'walking for health' schemes.
'The British Association for Cardiac Rehabilitation endorses the Walking for Health programme. The Association commends appropriate walking as part of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programme.'
2. Medical Protection Society The Medical Protection Society (MPS) - known to every GP in the country - endorsed the Walking for Health programme and the concept of healthy walking in a statement which it issued in September 2001.
The statement will reassure many GPs of the benefits and low risks associated with 'walking for health' schemes. Extracts include: Brisk walking is an ideal form of exercise ...... The risks of walking are low and the ground rules which GPs need to explain to patients are straightforward and easy to grasp ..... No paperwork is required from GPs .... The chance of a GP being sued if a patient comes to hard from participating in WfH is minute.
MPS is a worldwide mutual association of 150,000 doctors and other healthcare professionals. Members look to MPS for help and advice as well as for the protection and legal defence of their professional reputations. Statements issued by MPS provide members with carefully considered advice.
Walking can:
BACR endorsement statement
