* Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke

* Lower blood pressure

* Reduce high cholesterol and improve blood lipid profile

* Reduce body fat

* Enhance mental well being

* Increase bone density, hence helping to prevent osteoporosis

* Reduce the risk of cancer of the colon

* Reduce the risk of non insulin dependant diabetes

* Help to control body weight

* Help osteoarthritis

* Help flexibility and co-ordination hence reducing the risk of falls

(Sources: Davison & Grant 1993, US Dept of Health 1996, British Heart Foundation 2000)

• You can  walk to improve general health,  keep fit, to control  weight, or maybe  recover from  ill-health. Walking can undertaken  with children or other family members. Walking need not cost anything**, and can fit in with any lifestyle.

• Walking has a high impact on cardiovascular disease.Compared  to unfit and inactive people fit and active individuals have around half the risk of cardiovascular disease compared to unfit inactive people. This level of risk is similar to smoking, high blood pressure or high cholesterol in causing heart disease.

• Walkers are less likely to fall and suffer injuries because the bones are strengthened; less likely to sustain injury because  of a better range of movement and more flexible muscles. You are likely to be less prone to depression and anxiety;  your sleeping may be improved and  you will be  able to control body weight more easily.

**A moderate expenditure on good footwear and a rain coat/top will certainly benefit. Pembrokeshire Footsteps have negotiated a 10% discount scheme with Pembrokeshire Outdoors of London Road in Pembroke Dock-just mention Pembrokeshire Footsteps to have the discount applied. Discount is off regular prices only.