this month

	Health news ... Walking
	*back to health news*
	TREHERBERT, TYNEWYDD, BLAENRHONDDA & BLAENCWM WALKING THE WAY TO HEALTH PROGRAMME 2003 SEPTEMBER 2003 All walks on the programme will be led at a moderate pace, to encourage participants to meet national recommendations for physical activity of “thirty minutes of moderate activity on at least five days of the week”. All walks are led by trained walk leaders, and vary in length and duration, but will not exceed one hour. All walks will start from a central venue, but please be advised that if you are leaving your car, this is left at your own risk. If you are unsure about starting a structured exercise programme, we recommend that you visit your GP to ensure that the programme is appropriate for you. This programme may be subject to change, so for up to date information prior to a walk, please contact the Health Promotion Service on 01443 824396 or visit our website on www.ilovewalking.co.uk Please note routes may be subject to change due to the weather. SEPTEMBER* Monday 1 Septem ber 10.00am Pen Pych Primary School, Main Gates Walk Leaders: Gareth Davies & Simon Hollifield Route 2 Distance 2.1km/1.3 miles (Circular) Tuesday 2 September 6.00pm Pen Pych Primary School, Main Gates Walk Leaders: Barry Hall & Joy Hart Route 3 Distance 2.9km/1.8 miles (Circular) Tuesday 9 September 6.00pm Pen Pych Primary School, Main Gates Walk Leaders: Barry Hall & Joy Hart Route 4 Distance 2km/1.24miles (Linear) Wednesday 10 September 12.00 noon Pen Pych Primary School, Main Gates Walk Leaders: Linda Price & John Roberts Route 5 Distance: 1.7km/1.06 miles (Linear) Monday 15 September 10.00am Pen Pych Primary School, Main Gates Walk Leaders: Gareth Davies & Simon Hollifield Route 1 Distance 2km/1.24 miles (Linear) Thursday 18 September 11.00am Pen Pych Primary School, Main Gates Walk Leaders: Helen Avery & Annie Petherick Route 2 Distance 2.1km/1.3 miles (Circular) Wednesday 24 September 12.00 noon Pen Pych Primary School, Main Gates Walk Leaders: Linda Price & John Roberts Route 3 Distance 2.9km/1.8 miles (Circular) Monday 29 September 10.00am Pen Pych Primary School, Main Gates Walk Leaders: Gareth Davies & Simon Hollifield Route 4 Distance 2km/1.24miles (Linear) The Walking the Way to Health Scheme provides a programme of led walks, which run from February – December. If you are interested in receiving future walking programmes, or would like to receive a route card pack for independent walking, please contact the Health Promotion Service on 01443 824396. Thank you for participating in the Walking the Way to Health Scheme!
	Walking the way to health project Why it’s good to walk Regular walking is one of the easiest ways to improve your health and well being. It also allows you to enjoy the pleasures of the local countryside and breathe in the fresh air. Walking is ideal exercise for those who don’t have enough time or are unable to get to the gym. You do not need any special equipment for walking and you can vary the pace and the amount to suit yourself.	*Roy Noble launching Walking the Way to Health Initiative*
	Walking can be enjoyed alone, with your partner or a group of friends. Walking is ideal fun for all the family. Many walking routes are wheelchair or pushchair accessible. Walking is perfect for those who want to take regular exercise and enjoy the improvements in their health, fitness and general well being. Most importantly walking is free and most people see quick results. These include weight loss, better strength and mobility, improved mood and feeling of better general health and well being. In the long-term walking can help to prevent heart disease. It can lower cholesterol and high blood pressure and improves the working of the lungs. It also helps people who have diabetes, arthritis or osteoporosis manage their symptoms more effectively. In short, walking can improve many aspects of your life.
	*Roy Noble at the Walking the Way to Health launch* *at Pen Pych Community Primary School, Treherbert in June 2002* Why the Walking the Way to Health routes are different? The Walking the Way to Health scheme is funded by the Countryside Council for Wales and British Heart Foundation to enable people in local communities enjoy the health and social benefits of regular brisk walking. All the routes are designed for beginners and are graded to help people assess which are best for them. They are clearly marked by way marking posts and are an ideal introduction to walking. Some people who enjoy the Walking the Way to Health routes go on to join other local walking or Rambling clubs for more adventurous and challenging walking. Other people continue to use the walking routes as part of their daily or weekly routine to enjoy a quite break in the countryside or meet up with family or friends. What walks are best for you? Group walks can be a social occasion. They are an opportunity to meet like-minded people and to make new friends. Group walks are organised by local, enthusiastic walk leaders and are a great way to discover new countryside. Walk leaders are also able to give you tips about walking and can arrange convenient meeting times and suggest or arrange transport to and from walks.
	Independent walking can be a time for quiet reflection and a chance to enjoy the beauty of the local countryside. You can enjoy tranquil woodlands, hidden valleys and wonderful wildlife. A clear, simple sketch showing landmarks and points of interest allows you to easily navigate your way through around the route. Route cards also provide easy-to-read instructions and tips for walking including details of local transport links. *Roy Noble on a Walking the Way to Health Route in Rhondda* Where are the Walking the Way to Health routes? Currently Health Walks can be found in the following areas: Treherbert, Blaenrhondda and Blaencwm. Mountain Ash, Darran Las, Glenboi and Fernhill. Walks will soon be available in: Glifach Goch and Hendreforgan. If these schemes are successful it is hoped that more routes will be set up in other areas. Many routes are near public transport links and can be accessed by train or bus. To receive route cards for independent walking contact Rhondda Cynon Taff Health Promotion Service on 01443 824396.