Walking is an important form of sustainable transport which costs nothing and offers a wide range of benefits to the individual as well as the community.
Incorporating walking into your daily routine can be as easy as walking short trips to work, combining walking with the use of public transport or walking to the local shops.
Walking is part of every journey we make. It is important that people are encouraged to walk more often. As a regular activity, walking:
- improves health and fitness for individuals in the community
- reduces air pollution and traffic congestion
- provides children with an informal learning environment for their physical, practical, emotional and social development
- improves local neighbourhoods when goods and services are purchased locally
- provides people with the opportunity to interact with others in their community
- increases a sense of safety with more people out and about.
Health benefits
Walking has many health benefits. As a regular activity, walking is important in the prevention of:
- heart disease
- stroke
- type 2 diabetes
- falls, fractures and injuries (through improved strength and coordination)
- colon cancer
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- osteoporosis
- depression
- lower back pain.
Walking also improves:
- psychological well-being
- metabolism
- muscle strength and flexibility
- strength and endurance
- respiratory function
- concentration and memory.
As well as:
- strengthening the immune system
- increasing energy levels
- managing weight.
Lack of physical activity is a major contributor to obesity and a range of health issues. Walking can increase the levels of physical activity in the community and reduce health care expenditures.
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