Health walks
The West Wight Health Walk Group was formed in May 1999 by the Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Trust in conjunction with the Brookside Health Centre, to promote walking as an excellent means of exercise for people at all levels of fitness. The walks are led by voluntary walk-leaders who have attended a short training course, covering First Aid and other safety issues. This walking scheme is particularly beneficial to those recuperating from an illness or attempting to generally raise their fitness level, but it also appeals to many walkers who may not have the confidence to go out walking alone or prefer to be a part of a smaller group.- The West Wight Group offer two weekly walks, meeting at the Upper Moa Place car park in Freshwater (beside the Brookside Health centre)
- The Wednesday walk is designed for the more able-bodied walker, and ranges between three and five miles, leaving at 1.00 p.m. and lasting about 3 hours.
Both walks are over fairly flat and accessible ground, and participants are encouraged to walk at their own pace, stopping for breaks as and when required. These walks are open to all. Specialist equipment is not required, but comfortable footwear is essential, and warm, sensible clothing with a waterproof jacket is strongly recommended. Rosemary Rae, Health Promotion Advisor, Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Trust, said “Healthy Walks are community-led schemes which encourage people who do not usually walk far to participate in regular local walks to improve their health (mental, physical and social). Regular walking can help prevent and manage heart disease, and reduce high blood pressure. Walking is an ideal, low-impact exercise. The Island has so many beautiful walk routes that we really should get out and explore them, and improve our health at the same time. We are very fortunate to have such an enthusiastic team of walk-leaders at Freshwater who have played a large part in the success of the West Wight scheme” The Health Promotion Unit is now seeking to run similar Health Walk Groups across the Island and would welcome applications from anyone who feels they would like to become a Health Walk Leader, or who have any other enquiries about the scheme.
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Issue date: 28 February 2000
For further information, please contact the Communications Department, Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust, St Marys Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5TG. Telephone number 01983-552003 (out of hours please contact the switchboard)
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