Walking to a healthier life

Walking for just 30 minutes five times a week can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

It's that simple.

And in South Derbyshire the Get Active in The Forest team, based at Rosliston Forestry Centre, is working hard to encourage more people to walk their way to health.

At the end of October a weekly Tuesday walk began in Overseal with people meeting at Overseal Surgery at 1.30 pm. The group continues to meet every Tuesday and new walkers are very welcome.

From Monday 19 November a new walk is starting from Hilton with the led group meeting every Monday outside the Hilton Brook Pub at 10.30 am. Both walks are led by friendly walk leaders and are suitable for beginners. Walks are followed by a drink and a chat.

Says Cllr John Lemmon, Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council’s Housing and Community Services Committee, "You don't have to live in either area to take part. You can just turn up and join in. It's a good way of getting to know an area, meeting new people and becoming healthier. You can also join the groups at Castle Gresley Surgery and also at Swadlincote Surgery at 1 pm on Wednesdays, at Newhall Surgery at 1.45 pm on Thursdays and also at Prestwood Surgery, Midway at 2 pm on Fridays.

Cllr Lemmon continues, "Every day there seems to be advice about what to do, from fasting for twenty four hours to avoiding specific foods, from drinking a little red wine or not drinking at all. But all the experts agree that walking is good for you. Studies have shown that walking not only reduces your hips and waist measurements, it also lowers your blood pressure."

For more information about any of the walks please ring Vicky or Debbie on 01283 563483