The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) is calling for people to be more physically active after figures revealed the number of journeys undertaken on foot have fallen by a quarter in the last 15 years (Press Association).
The charity is warning that being inactive increases the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases, and has urged people to ‘take to the streets’ to help reverse a 28% fall in the number of walking trips over the last 15 years. WCRF describes the figures, from the DfTs National Travel Survey for 2010, as painting a ‘worrying picture’ of the health of the nation.
Dr Rachel Thompson, deputy head of science at WCRF, said: “This points to us becoming less active as a nation and that is why WCRF wants to see people take to the streets to reverse the trend.
“As with other types of activity, walking can reduce body fat, boost the immune system and helps to move food through the gut more quickly – all factors that seem to play a role in reducing cancer risk.”
Click here to read the full Press Association news report.
And providing they stay on the pavement its a lot safer than cycling…… unless they are hit by a cyclist.
Bob Craven, Lancs
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