RESIDENTS are being urged to put their best foot forward for the good of their health.
During May, as part of National Walking Month, the NHS across south Warwickshire are encouraging people to get out of the house for a walk, to help improve both their physical and mental health.
National Walking Month is organised by Living Streets, a charity working to create safe, attractive streets built around the needs of people rather than cars. They’re challenging people to #Try20 and take a 20 minute walk each day throughout May.
Dr David Spraggett, chair at NHS South Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “During the coronavirus pandemic lockdown it is important for our physical health and mental wellbeing to remain active.
“Getting out each day for a walk can make a huge improvement to how you’re feeling. A brisk 20-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits and counts towards your recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise.”
“A daily walk will not only improve your physical health but getting a bit of fresh air each day and keeping active will help boost your mood too.
“If you do go out for a walk please make sure that you adhere to Government guidance and keep 2 metres away from people who are not in your household at all times.”
Those unable to leave their home are encouraged to stay active through the likes of yoga, workout videos, dancing. Online resources to help include NHS Live Well, NHS Fitness Studio, Joe Wicks’ daily PE videos and the Sport England website.
Click here for more on National Walking Month activities in south Warwickshire.
www.livingstreets.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/national-walking-month-2020
* As the lockdown continues and people spend less time outdoors, Public Health England is recommending some people consider taking daily vitamin D supplements throughout the spring and summer.
People’s skin makes vitamin D when it is exposed to the sun, so they usually get enough vitamin D by spending time outdoors. Vitamin D is important for healthy bones, teeth and muscles and not getting enough can lead to bone deformity illnesses such as rickets in children. It also helps to fight off illnesses and infections.
Dr Spraggett said: “Supplements will improve the health of people who are deficient in vitamin D. There is no evidence that they can reduce the risk of catching or getting ill with coronavirus, but experts do think that it may have benefits during the pandemic.”
