Best foot forward for Walking Month

May is National Walking Month and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to put on your walking shoes and make walking part of your daily routine.

There are many health benefits of walking. Adding a brisk pace to your step can help you feel good, reduce anxiety, help manage your weight, reduce blood pressure and help you sleep better.

Séamus Mullen, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement in Belfast with the PHA, said: “Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise and the easiest to build in to your daily routine, such as walking to the shops or work instead of driving. You don’t need any specialised equipment to get walking, just a comfortable pair of shoes.

“If you have to take the car to work you could park a bit further away from the building than normal and walk that little extra to the office.  Better still, use public transport as research does demonstrate that we are likely to be more active if we use other forms of transport. You can also enjoy walking together as a family and walk with the children to school, which will encourage them from an early age to be active.

“Walking groups can also be a good way to get started and it’s also a great way to make friends who can keep you motivated. There are many groups coordinated by your local health and social care trust so contact them to find out times and days that the groups meet.”

For further information on the benefits of walking, tips and hints to get started and contact info for your local health trust walking coordinator visit www.choosetolivebetter.com