UK national charity Living Streets said “walking to school can reduce your child’s risk of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and numerous other obesity related conditions, as it launched International Walk to School Month on 1 October 2012.
One in three children leave primary school overweight or obese putting them at a higher risk of potentially life threatening conditions in their 30s and 40s, the charity said.
Living Streets research shows less than 50% of children in the UK walk to school despite the mounting evidence of the health risks of sedentary behaviour.
Over 40 countries take part in International Walk to School Month in October which aims to encourage children to be more active and walk to school.
Teachers report that children are more alert and attentive in class if they’ve walked.
Parents also benefit. One mother said “I feel much fitter myself for the extra exercise and it’s also improved my social life. Rather than just dropping the children off in the car, I meet other parents at the school gate and it’s nice to have a chat. We go on weekly walks with other mothers and their children too.”
Tony Armstrong, Living Streets’ Chief Executive, said “walking to school regularly is a fantastic way to help children reach the recommended daily 60 minutes of physical activity. It’s also a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your children and enjoy the benefit of a short blast of fresh air in the morning.
The evidence for the health benefits of walking is overwhelming and who would not want to help to secure a healthy future for their children?
International Walk to School Month is an opportunity to give it a go and encourage children to set healthy habits for the future.”
