Walking for Health

 Recently it has been shown walking for just 11 minutes a day could stop 10% of early deaths! This equates to 75 minutes of moderate exercise a week. According to the largest ever study of its kind a brisk walk everyday could prevent one in 10 deaths.

A study completed at Cambridge university have found brisk walking, dancing, cycling, playing tennis or hiking can all greatly decrease the risk of early death and cardiovascular disease. Just another reason to join our Nature Recovery Ranger for a walk!

Moderate-intensity physical activity is defined as any activity that raises the heart rate and makes people increase their breathing but not to the point of being uncomfortable to speak. If you are someone who found the original suggested 150 minutes being daunting, this news is brilliant! As doing some physical activity is better than none and if you find 75 minutes a week more manageable its the perfect starting point to slowing increase to the full recommended amount.

So, what things can you do around the hospital to increase your physical activity?

• Join for a nature connect walk - Monday 5pm at the RVI or Wednesdays 5pm at the freeman
• Join the monthly nature connect walk
•  Attend the green gym run by Suren Kanagasundaram
• Use your lunch to walk around the site or a neighboring park
• Have lunch outside 
•  Attend a yoga group or exercise session before or after your shift 
• Walk or cycle to work 

 It can  be absolutely anything! why not ask a friend to join you or create a group from your office and get out there!

Photo: Daisy Tickner / Centre for Sustainable Healthcare 2022