Join a free and friendly hour long weekly health walk, which starts at Hallwood Health Centre, Hospital Way, Runcorn each Monday morning at 11am . The project is a partnership between Weaver Vale Practice and Halton Borough Council.
Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury and local councillors put their best feet forward to launch the regular event and were joined by GP Carole Mycroft at the official launch.
The walk are lead bu volunteers each week and the practice is encouraging young mums with babies to attend as they are aware some young mums in the area are not getting out.
For information about other walks in Runcorn, pick up a full program or visit: www.activehalton.co.uk/walking
The motivation to start the walk developed during a meeting of the Weaver Vale Patient Group (PPG). The PPG are volunteers who liaise between the practice and patients to identify ways to help the practice to enhance the service to patients.
All walks are risk assessed and are suitable for all ages and abilities There is a choice of a 30 minute walk or a 45 minute walk at a pace to suit everyone.
The Department of Health has produced statistics showing the advantages as follows:-
CONDITION (ALL OF WHICH CAUSE MORTALITY) RISK REDUCTION and percentage risk reduced by regular walking.
CORONARY HEART DISEASE AND STROKE 20-35%
TYPE 2 DIABETES 35-50%
COLON CANCER 30-50%
BREAST CANCER 20%
HIP FRACTURE 36-68%
DEPRESSION 20-30%
ALZHEIMERS DISEASE 60%
in addition to reduced prescription costs!
(DOH 2011)
The Health Walks are a national initiative. There are currently eight active walks in Halton. For further details contact: Paula Parle, Sports Development Officer at Halton Borough 0151 511 8550 or your GP practice
PIC ATTACHED: MP Mike Amesbury officially launches the walk.