National Walking Month

May is National Walking Month, and it is an annual campaign to encourage everyone to become more active. Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve our health and stay connected to our community, helping us feel less lonely and isolated. 

Exercise is crucial to the mind and body. The simple act of brisk walking can help you to live a longer, healthier life. Studies show that women who walk more quickly have a life span of about 87 years compared to the 72 years of women who walk more slowly. Men who walk more quickly have a life span of about 86 years compared to the 65 years for men who walk more slowly. 

The health benefits of brisk walking are: 

• Increasing cardiovascular health – stronger heart and lung health. 
• Reduced risk of stroke and heart disease. 
• Stronger bones and muscles. 
• Improved balance and coordination. 
• Helping to manage and prevent various conditions such as high blood pressure & high cholesterol. 
• Easing joint pain. 

Now that the evenings are staying lighter for longer, it is a perfect time to get out and get walking. The health benefits associated with walking will hopefully motivate you to lace up those shoes and get moving. 

For some tips to help you get walking, click here. 

Step Challenge in May 

Why not commit to walking 5,000 steps a day for 10 days in the 5K a day Challenge? 

The challenge will start on Wednesday 8 May 2024 until Friday 17 May 2024 - to register, click here. 

Completed forms must be submitted by Wednesday 22 May 2024. Everyone who submits their record and has completed 5,000 steps each day will be entered into a draw for College Kitchen vouchers. 

During lunchtime why not go along with colleagues and/or your students to get your steps up in May in the Downpatrick campus. To participate contact Health and Wellbeing Champion, Pat Crane by emailing pcrane@serc.ac.uk 

For ideas on walking routes across Northern Ireland why not visit the Walk NI Website for some inspiration. Walk NI can provide downloadable maps to help keep you on track. Discover Northern Ireland also has a section on walks: click here to access.