Further information

Fitter people live longer

Fitter people have a greater chance of living longer. Today’s lifestyles discourage many from being active; at least seven in ten people do not take enough exercise to benefit their health. Some doctors call this the “silent epidemic”. Walking is almost perfect exercise, requiring no equipment or expense; it is the best way for people from all walks of life to become more active.

“At least five times a week” report from the Chief Medical Officer dated 29^th April 2004

The message in this report is clear. The scientific evidence is compelling. Physical activity not only contributes to well being but is also essential for good health. People who are physically active reduce their risk of developing major chronic diseases – such as coronary heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes – by up to 50%, and the risk of premature death by about 20-30%. The annual costs of physical inactivity in England are estimated at £8.2 billion – including the rising costs of treating chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and diabetes. This does not include the contribution of inactivity to obesity – an estimated further £2.5 billion cost to the economy each year.

The recommendations for physical activity are supported by scientific evidence. For general health, a total of at least 30 minutes a day of at least moderate intensity physical activity on five or more days of the week reduces the risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease and some cancers, significantly reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, and it can also improve psychological well-being.

Walking the way to Health Initiative focuses primarily on promoting walking for health in our local communities by providing safe and supervised environments in which to walk. This takes the format of producing a programme of guided walks, led by trained volunteer health walks leaders. There are walks for all levels of fitness, namely:

Introductory Walk

Under one mile, virtually flat, no steps or stiles. These walks are for:

• An introduction to health walking.
• Those that do little or no physical activity at present.
• People restricted by mobility problems, walk slowly or find hills a struggle.

Level One Walk

Approx:one - two miles, flat to minor gradients, mostly hard surfaced paths; possibly one or two steps. Aimed at:

• people that do a small amount of physical activity but need to increase this, and;
• people with minor mobility problems but who can cope with slight gradients and uneven terrain on local footpaths.

Level Two Walk

Approx: 1.5 - 2.75 miles, paths a little more challenging with moderate slopes. These walks may also have a couple of steps or stiles to climb. Aimed at:

• people that already do a certain amount of physical activity, and;
• people who walk at a moderate pace and who can cope with moderate gradients.

Level Three Walk

Up to a maximum of 4.2 miles. Paths will include challenges such as longer hills, short steep slopes, steps and stiles and require more effort. Aimed at:

• those progressing from Level Two who want to improve their fitness level, and;
• for the more experienced health walker who feels confident with more challenging walks.

Whilst anyone is welcome on the health walks, targeted groups include: older people, sedentary or overweight, those having completed Phase Four following cardiac rehabilitation, or anyone at risk from heart disease, strokes, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, high blood pressure, anxiety, stress, and depression.

Keystone & Wayland Walking for Health Scheme

The Keystone & Wayland Walking for Health Scheme organises short health walks in Thetford, Watton and Brandon and the surrounding forest areas of Southern Norfolk and West Suffolk. Walks between 1 and 4 miles long, led by trained volunteers, take place on most weekdays and on occasional Sundays.

We welcome everybody on the walks, but we are especially keen to meet people who are trying to build up their daily activity levels, people who have or are at risk of experiencing poor health, and people who maybe feel isolated and would like to meet new people. (A parent or guardian must accompany children).

We would also love to hear from anybody who would like to help organise and lead walks. No experience is necessary as full training and support is given.

All walks are free and a full schedule is available by contacting the walks coordinator (details below).

Contact details

Becky Pheasey
Walking for Health Co-ordinator
Forest District Offices
Santon Downham
Brandon
Suffolk
IP27 0TJ
Tel: 01842 813946
Mobile: 07747077159

Norwich Fringe Health Walks

The Norwich Fringe health walk scheme promotes walking for health in our local communities by providing safe and supervised environments in which to walk.

There are currently two to three walks per week led by specially trained staff and volunteers.

All the walks are in the Norwich Fringe area - a four mile radius from the centre of Norwich, which also includes the nearby countryside areas of Broadland and South Norfolk.

For more information on the Health Walks and the Norwich Fringe Project go to the Fringe Walks website [external link].

Contact details

Carrie Kerry
The Gate Lodge
The Training Workshop
Swanton Road
Norwich
NR2 4LR
Tel: 01603 423377

Related pages on this website

• Bike it! cycling routes
• Exercise & activity for health
• Active Living: Physical Activity Referral Scheme
• 10,000 steps a day keeps the doctor away

External links

Walking the way to Health Initiative (WHI)
Website dedicated to the WHI for anyone interested in walking to improve health. The initiative is a joint venture between the Brisitsh Heart Foundation and the Countryside Agency.

Keystone Development Trust and the Wayland Partnership Development Trust
The two organsiations responsible for the keystone & Wayland Walking for Health Scheme.

Norwich Fringe Project
More about the Norwich Fringe health walks, plus leaflets, events and details about the project.

About links to other websites.