Walking the way to Health

http://www.whi.org.uk/

Angela SmithRegional Advisor

Summary

• The main health problem areas for England are – Heart disease– Stroke– Obesity– Long term conditions (e.g diabetes and osteoarthritis)– Mental Health

• The Natural environment can help with all these conditions.

• To unlock the true health value of he Natural Environment Natural England can generate support from central government, NHS, Local authorities, industry and above all the volunteering public.

Walking the way to Health Initiative‘WHI’

The BIG Picture

• Seven out of ten people aren’t active enough

• Obesity is linked to inactivity

• The annual cost to the economy of physical inactivity, is estimated at £8.2 billion in England.

Sport participation: % of people participating for at least 30 mins once every 4 weeks. Sport England Active People Survey Dec 2006

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WalkingSwimmingGymCyclingFootballRunningGolf

Can Green Space increase levels of physical activity?

What motivates people to continue to participate in Health Walks. Ashley A Bartlett S Lamb Sand Steel M 1999

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Walking the Way to HealthWhy Walking is Effective

Walking the way to Health

How can we help

• Training

• Insurance

• Advice

• Support

• Promotional Materials

Walking the way to Health

• Angela Smith, Regional Case Officer

• Angela.smith@naturalengland.org.uk

• 07900 608329

www.whi.org.uk