Walking back to health

Reporter: DAWN MARSDEN
Date online: 26 February 2010

OLDHAMERS are encouraged to put their best foot forward and walk their way to a healthier lifestyle.

The council has teamed up with Oldham Community Health Services for “Let’s Go For A Walk” which launches on Monday.

A series of free walks will be held at 11 sites across the borough including Waterhead Park, Dovestone Reservoir and Glodwick Lows.

The first 200 to sign up can also take advantage of an incentive scheme which rewards them for completing various distances up to seven-and-a-half miles.

Leaflets have been produced mapping out each route and highlighting notable milestones and estimated calories that will be burned off.

Councillor Mark Alcock is Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for the environment and infrastructure.

He said: “Let’s Go For a Walk offers residents the opportunity to take those difficult first steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Walking is the perfect activity for health because almost everyone can do it, regardless of their fitness. It is also a terrific way to make friends and discover new places to walk in the borough.

“We are also very fortunate to have some outstanding local parks and countryside in our area, so I would urge anyone who wants to put a spring in their stride to sign up and start walking their way to good health.”

Thomas Maloney, senior community health development worker at Oldham Community Health Services, said: “Walking is a fantastic way to maintain a healthy lifestyle, helping people to mange their weight, reduce stress, giving them energy and helping them to feel good. The walks are varied with shorter and longer distances to cater for people of all abilities.

“I would encourage everyone, whether they are on their own or with family and friends to take part in a walk of their choice.”

Further information is available at the Spindles shopping centre in the town centre from 9am-3pm.

Alternatively, visit www.visitoldham.com or call Oldham Countryside Service on 0161-620 8202 or Oldham Community Health Services on 07855-337 628.