Month: September 2017
Forget the gym…..
Middle-aged people are being urged to walk faster to help stay healthy, amid concern high levels of inactivity may be harming their health.
They are urging those between the ages of 40 and 60 to start doing regular brisk walks.
Just 10 minutes a day could have a major impact, reducing the risk of early death by 15%, they say.
But estimates show four out of every 10 40- to 60-year-olds do not even manage a brisk 10-minute walk each month.
An American study found that people who walked for at least four hours a week gained less weight (an average 9 lb less) than couch potatoes as they got older.
Last year, researchers at the University of Colorado found that regular walking helped to prevent peripheral artery disease (which impairs blood flow in the legs and causes leg pain in one-fifth of elderly people).
Walking can even prevent colds. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts medical school found that people who walked every day had 25 per cent fewer colds than those who were sedentary.
Because walking is a weight-bearing exercise, it can also help prevent the bone
disease osteoporosis.
Best of all, walking makes you feel good about yourself. “For people suffering from depression, walking three to four times a week for 30 minutes has been shown to enhance their mood
So next time you have 20 minutes to spare, put on your shoes and start your journey to better health.
Be Active
If you were told by a Dr – take this magic pill daily and you will reduce numerous health risks, be fit and healthy……would you take it? Unfortunately the wonder pill doesn’t exist, however in its place we are going to prescribe everyone regular physical activity/exercise and put you on the path to the same results. A little motivation can go a long way.
Walking: the most accessible and easiest way for most to incorporate exercise into our lifestyles. It’s free, gentle &low-impact that requires no special training or equipment. Almost everyone can do it, anywhere and at any time. You could join a health walk, become a rambler or just walk to the shops. Check out the Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service to find out about the rich natural heritage surrounding us.
If walking isn’t your thing, how about cycling? You could go for the standard cycle or try out an electric bike. Electric bikes (e-bikes) work much the same as ordinary bicycles except they have an electric motor which works when you pedal to give a bit of a boost, making going uphill a lot easier! You don’t need a special license to ride one (as long as you are over the age of 14) and the bikes can be used on cycle paths the same as ordinary bicycles.
Talking of cycle paths, Aberdeenshire Council transport strategy team have just finished new local ‘Walking & Cycling maps’ for several Aberdeenshire towns which are to be launched soon. We are also hearing whispers of ‘Treasure Trails’ which sounds interesting, and as far as we are concerned – anything that encourages us to get out and about is a winner in our eyes. Want to know more? Visit http://getabout.org.uk/ for more information.
Tell us what would make you more active in your community. Is there a path near you which could be a great walking route, perhaps you would like to be able to commute to work by bike? We’d love to hear from you at kandmcommunities@gmail.com
The Good Life
Twenty-seven percent of children and 61% of adults in Scotland do not meet recommended levels of physical activity. Physical inactivity is known to increase the risk of developing a number of conditions including obesity, diabetes, heart disease and bowel cancer. Walking and cycling for everyday short journeys is the easiest and cheapest way of building more physical activity into busy lives. It helps to protect against physical ill health and helps to maintain good mental health.
Evidence from engagement highlighted the importance within Kincardine & Mearns that communities have the possibility to travel actively, with walking or cycling the most popular choice for shorter everyday journeys. This is why we chose to focus on active travel routes in Kincardine & Mearns, ensuring cycle and footpaths are developed and improved.
Over the next few weeks we will share with you some of the work that is taking place and how we can learn from what others are doing to make life better for all of us.
All Change!
“A true community is not just about being geographically close to someone or part of the same social web network. It’s about feeling connected and responsible for what happens.”
In a change from our previous blogs K & M Communities is going to focus on the topics you have told us are you important to you, the priorities in our Local Community Plan. They are;
- Strong Communities
- Connecting People
- Wellbeing
Over the next few weeks and months we will share with you some information and thoughts on these priorities, what’s happening in your local community and how you can have a voice in deciding what’s important in the future. We’re starting off with Connecting People. We hope you enjoy!
K&M Communities 