Walking to Work is the Way Forward

Wyre Forest District Council employees will be walking their way to a healthier lifestyle this national Walk to Work Week (26 – 30 April 2010).

With the latest figures showing that 61% of us are currently overweight or obese and with government figures showing that we jump in the car for over a fifth of journeys shorter than one mile, commuters in Wyre Forest are being urged to join in and walk their way to a healthier lifestyle during national Walk to Work Week.

National charity Living Streets run the Walking Works campaign, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, to highlight the role that walking can play in bringing some much-needed activity into our daily lives. Wyre Forest District Council is taking part in this year's event by encouraging colleagues to leave cars at home and walk into work and participate in lunchtime walks around Kidderminster and Stourport on Severn.

The benefits of walking for health, the environment and saving money are well documented. What's often missing is the encouragement to make walking a regular part of people's daily lives.  Walking Works, supported by Wyre Forest District Council aims to change this by encouraging people to incorporate walking into their daily routine and supporting them with tips, advice and motivation.

Walk to Work Week is an annual reminder that walking all or part of the commute is fun, green and healthy and can be slotted in to even the busiest lives.  By walking for just 30 minutes a day during the working week, whether that's on the way to, from or during work, means meeting the government recommended level of daily activity to transform your health. In addition to the known health benefits, regular exercise such as walking is known to boost performance at work and counter lethargy, stress and depression. 

To create a Walk to Work Week profile for your business or for you as an individual, please visit the Walk to Work website. 

Date of Issue - 13 April 2010