National walking month

2 minute read time.

May is here, the trees have turned a luminous green and the sun has officially put its hat on! Just a few reasons to think about heading outside for a walk at some point today. In this blog, our information development nurse Elspeth talks about the many benefits of walking more.

May is National Walking Month and Living Streets, the national charity that works to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets, are encouraging everyone to get more walking into their day.

This year they have introduced a pledge - #Try20. Throughout May, Living Streets will show 20 fun and easy ways to fit 20 minutes' walking in to your day. Through these different ideas, they hope to show people of all ages how easy and enjoyable walking is and how it can lead to real changes in people's habits and lifestyles.

For people who are having treatment for cancer or adjusting to life after treatment, 20 minutes walking might feel like too much to begin with.

But during treatment, even just spending less time sitting down and taking very short walks can help. Being active has many benefits and can help to:

  • reduce tiredness and some treatment side effects
  • reduce anxiety and depression
  • improve your mood and quality of life
  • strengthen your muscles, joints and bones
  • look after your heart and reduce the risk of other health problems.

Physical activity can be an important part of your recovery after cancer treatment.

Macmillan is working with health walk programmes across the UK that offer free, short and friendly walks. With all health walks, you can expect:

  • walks starting from half an hour or less
  • walks to suit people with long-term health conditions, including cancer
  • friendly, knowledgeable, trained walk leaders
  • safe routes
  • a welcoming atmosphere.

We have lots of information and suggestions on our website, as well as a Move More pack that can help you get started with walking or a different physical activity that suits you.

To see what else Macmillan's cancer information team has been blogging about, please visit our blog home page! You can subscribe to receive our blogs by email or RSS too.

We're with you every step of the way

The Macmillan team is here to help. Our cancer support specialists can answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen if you need a chat. Call us free on 0808 808 00 00.

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Keep in touch Follow Macmillan’s cancer information team on Twitter @mac_cancerinfo

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