28 April 2009
Clinicians at Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals are urging local people to put their best foot forward during the first national Walk to Work week.
The scheme, launched by charity Living Streets, is aimed at being an annual reminder of the benefits that walking brings.
Doctors say that walking for just 30 minutes a day during the working week can bring a range of benefits such as helping to reduce high blood pressure without adversely affecting the environment.
Staff at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust are also being actively encouraged to support the initiative which sets participants daily challenges to get them walking.
Dr Jonathan Kwan, Medical Director at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust said taking a stroll is simply the healthiest way to travel.
He said: "Walking has a number of benefits - it helps you keep fit, can help to reduce high blood pressure and assist in lowering stress levels. It can also reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease, a stroke, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
"Even the shortest journey can make all the difference, especially for those people looking to lose weight."
He added: "Walking is an activity that most people can build into their daily lives without the need for expensive equipment or special kit."
According to the World Health Organisation walking one mile can burn up at least 100 calories of energy, and walking two miles a day, three times a week can help reduce weight by one pound every three weeks.
For more information about the initiative and to register, log on to www.walkingworks.org.uk/walk-to-work-week
