Walking 4 Life

Ladies of all ages from the Brownstown area have taken to the roads on a ‘Walk 4 Life’ challenge facilitated by Portadown Baptist Church.

Funded by the Southern Investing for Health Partnership (SIHP), through its Small Grants Programme, the aim of the challenge is to increase physical activity and raise awareness of the health related benefits associated with exercise amongst members.

The six-week ‘Walk 4 Life’ programme consists of a series of walks to help increase fitness levels, increase positive social inclusion and reduce isolation. Following the walks members will listen to motivational themed talks to help raise confidence and self esteem and receive a healthy supper to encourage a healthy eating diet not only for themselves but their families.

Ruth Wright, Treasurer of the ‘Walk for Life’ initiative explains: “For a number of years now, women from the Brownstown Hall area participate in the ‘Walk 4 Life’ scheme during the summer months. This year we have added an extra programme, thanks to funding from SIHP, which provided a further opportunity for women living in the area to undertake a free community based exercise activity.”

One local lady currently participating in the challenge said: “Walk 4 Life has increased my awareness of the benefits of getting fit and healthy. It was good to get to know other people from the area. The talks each evening cover different topics associated with health issues promoting a better lifestyle and diet. I felt I was able to carry it through and am more aware of cooking healthier meals for my family.”

Another member of the group commented: “Walk 4 Life has both challenged and encouraged me to become more aware of my need to change my lifestyle and has helped me become more integrated with my local community.”

Investing for Health Officer with the SIHP Cathy Devlin explains: “Physical activity is a key priority for the Public Health Agency and the SIHP is therefore delighted to fund and support this kind of really excellent local action.”

“Regular exercise has a number of health related benefits. It can help to lower blood pressure, reduces the risk of stroke, diabetes or heart disease, helps weight control and can reduce the risks of some cancers. Exercise can also help to reduce stress, anxiety or depression as well as aiding sleep,” she said.

The ‘Walk 4 Life’ scheme is currently running every Thursday evening from 7.30pm until 27th May and all ladies would be most welcome to attend.

For further information on the Southern Investing for Health Partnership’s Small Grant Programme log onto www.southernifh.com.

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Members of Portadown Baptist Church ‘Walk 4 Life’ programme pictured with Cathy Devlin, Investing for Health Officer (centre).