Top five messages on the benefits of walking (in and around Alton)

1) Walking in the countryside (or anywhere outside) is good for your mental health.

2) Regular walkers live longer and have a longer period of healthy life

3) Walk briskly, strolling slowly can actually accelerate ageing

4) There are clear mental benefits from socialising and walking with friends or in groups

5) Physical inactivity causes health problems and disease - this costs the UK economy £7.4billion per annum  

For more information on our event that explored these messages, please click here  

Why Walking is good for you

By Dr Hugh Bethell of Alton

Hugh was a GP in Alton and he founded the local cardiac rehabilitation centre, and is an enthusiast for the health benefits of all forms of exercise to help people maintain good health throughout their lives. He writes:

"The most effective way we can protect and enhance our good health is by taking regular exercise. There is no prescribable medication which is anywhere near as good at keeping us well. Indeed regular exercise is a highly effective.....read more.

Hugh's Blog

Why walking is good for your mind?

By Sally Thomas 

Sally Thomas is a keen walker from Alton and a Counsellor in private practice offering walking as well as room-based counselling. She writes:

"Walking...... an opportunity to disconnect from your busy life and reconnect with nature, to listen to others and be heard, to put your worries into perspective and let your mind take some time off for a while....

read more.