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Open spaces: a man takes his dog for an early morning stroll in Ladywell Fields
Doctors' surgeries across the capital are to offer guided walks around local parks to encourage patients to keep fit.
The “Natural Health Service” scheme will begin today with ministers claiming it could fight Britain's worsening obesity crisis.
Recent projections suggest that nine out of 10 adults could be overweight or obese by 2050. London also has the highest childhood obesity rates — 18 per cent — in the country.
The scheme, which is being launched in Lewisham where a health walk will go through Ladywell Fields, will offer guided 30-minute walks for groups.
The “brisk pace” walks will take place several times a week, with maps and schedules being made available in every surgery. The scheme was set up by Natural England and the Department of Health, who hope every surgery in Britain will offer the service by 2012.
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: “Green spaces are good for us. People living close to parks are more physically active and less likely to be overweight or obese.
“Our public parks, woodlands and countryside give us an opportunity to improve our health and wellbeing. Everyone should take the chance to enjoy the outdoors to get fit and appreciate the natural environment.”
Alison Barnes, Natural England's London director, said: “Research has shown that poor diets and lack of exercise have led to increased levels of obesity, depression and heart disease among Londoners. We believe that by simply getting out for a walk in their local park, people can make a big difference to their health.
“However, we also realise that for some this can be tough — the people who need exercise the most are often isolated. By offering these easy walks, which everyone can participate in, we hope people will socialise a little more as well as getting valuable exercise.
“London has a fantastic amount of natural green spaces which are free for people to use. We are working hard with Department of Health, NHS London and GPs to ensure the benefits of this resource are fully recognised and integrated within healthcare provision.”
Walkers will be asked to rate their local parks on the scheme's website, from which Natural England will try to rectify any problems brought up.
Natural England also released research which shows that, even after taking account of socio-economic variations, people living more than one and a quarter miles from a park were less likely to be physically active and 27 per cent more likely to be overweight or obese.
The findings from the universities of Bristol and East Anglia reinforce earlier research conducted by Glasgow and St Andrews universities which found that people who live near green spaces lived longer.
Dr Simon Tanner, the regional director of public health at NHS London and health adviser to the Mayor, said: “The natural environment offers an invaluable resource to help support health and wellbeing. Access to it is a fundamental part of a healthy lifestyle and it should be valued and recognised for the benefits it can provide to all Londoners.”
Reader views (1)
More Councils could copy the example of Harrow,outdoor gym's have been installed in 2 parks in Harrow.
The equipment is robust,weatherproof,low impact and FREE to use.
It is a pleasure to be able to exercise on gym equipment in the open air.
No more smelly and expensive gym for me.
- Harrison, Harrow UK
