Take the first step – Director of Public Health backs Active August

Swansea Bay’s Interim Director of Public Health is encouraging people to make walking part of their daily routine this August.

As part of an Active August campaign the health board is promoting walking as one of the simplest and most accessible ways to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

Whether it is a short walk at lunchtime, walking to the shops, exploring local parks or enjoying the coastline, every step can contribute to better health.

Regular walking can have a big impact on health – cutting the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. It also helps improve our mood, helps reduce stress and gives a better night's sleep.

Recent national guidance emphasises that every movement counts and that even small increases in activity can make a difference.

Professor Hugo van Woerden, Interim Director of Public Health at Swansea Bay University Health Board, said: "Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve your health. Every step counts. Why not download a free app on your phone and track the number of steps you take each day?"

Although the campaign recommends a range of activities, such as swimming, yoga, touch rugby, or running, walking as a fitness activity is generally seen as the easiest to take up.

Hugo (pictured above) said: "You do not need special equipment or a gym membership. Simply walking a little more each day can make a real difference."

The health board is encouraging people to look for opportunities to build walking into their daily lives, whether that means parking further away, walking part of the journey to work, taking a stroll with friends or family, or exploring local green spaces.

Walking can also help people connect with others and enjoy the natural environment, bringing benefits for both physical health and wellbeing. Swansea and Neath Port Talbot offer a wide range of opportunities to get outdoors, from parks and community walking groups to beaches, cycle paths and countryside trails.

Hugo added: "Active August is not about running marathons. It is about finding simple ways to move more and sit less."

Local opportunities include Ramblers Wellbeing Walks, Parkrun Swansea Bay, the National Exercise Referral Scheme and a variety of community-based activities across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

The message for Active August is simple: start small, walk more often, and enjoy the benefits that come with being more active.

As part of its Active August campaign the health board has produced four short videos for social media. Each features a different person explaining how they like to stay active. The hope is that others will share their ideas to help spark a national conversation encouraging more people to take up exercise.

Lynnette Thomas, Swansea Bay’s Assistant Director for Health Improvement, added her voice to the campaign.

She said: “As Hugo rightly states, we want people to think of finding simple ways to move more and sit less – which will undoubtedly improve their health and wellbeing.

“Walking is perhaps the simplest form of exercise but there are so many other examples out there whether they be solitary activities or part of a team or group, which make them so much more fun.

“Our videos feature touch rugby, rounders, Parkruns and walking but the list is almost endless.

“Remember physical activity doesn’t have to be about exercise – gardening, walking a pet or even housework count!

“It would be brilliant if people could share their ideas and support and encourage one anther by joining in the conversation on our Facebook page.”