- Marie Louise Connolly
- BBC News NI Health Correspondent
image source, Getty Images
Adults in Northern Ireland average 3,000 to 4,000 steps per day.
The Public Health Service (PHA) says people should consider taking more steps each day to promote physical and mental health.
Two-thirds of adults in Northern Ireland are obese or overweight, and one-quarter of children are similarly affected.
But experts say small changes can make a big difference.
Dr. Hannah McCourt said simple movements like walking, gardening, and going outside with your child can be incorporated into your daily routine.
She told BBC News NI that the average number of steps a day in Northern Ireland is between 3,000 and 4,000.
“We want people to increase their steps and physical activity,” she said.
Dr. McCourt, PHA’s Senior Health and Social Welfare Improvement Officer, says walking is not only completely free, but can be incorporated into leisure time and daily life.
By 2030, an additional 11 million adults across the UK are expected to be obese and likely to live with obesity-related conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and various cancers.
This increase will put additional pressure on health services as more people, especially the elderly, need treatment.
Hannah McCourt says walking is a good way to get healthy
Walking for health is often overlooked as a form of exercise, according to the NHS.
But brisk walking increases stamina, burns extra calories, and makes your heart healthier.
Hillsborough Ages, a local walking football group, is committed to addressing physical and mental health.
Based in Lisburn, County Antrim, the club has 32 members and meets twice a week to play five-a-side walking football.
Players may not run, header the ball, or play at head level.
The aim is to keep people over the age of 50 involved in football even when they can no longer play the traditional format of the game.
Bobby Jackson launched the team and said the team was going from strength to strength.
“Each one of these players has physical or mental health issues.
“Some people have knee or hip problems that keep them from running, others have mental health issues like depression.
“It keeps them out of the house and keeps them moving and talking. The jokes are great. We laugh and we all love football.”
How Walking Football Addresses Physical and Mental Health
Team member Barry Hook is 52 years old and terminally ill with brain cancer.
He said that because the ball is below head height, “I feel safe enough to play in a team sport and the players look after me. I love that.” ” he said.
Northern Ireland has more than 30 walking football clubs and a growing number of women players.
Walking for 30 minutes a day burns 1,000 calories per week.
“Brisk walking can help reduce anxiety, control weight, lower blood pressure, and help you sleep better,” said Dr. McCourt.
It is recommended to gradually increase the number of steps over time in order to realize the effect.
A quick tip is to get off the bus a few stops earlier or park your car a little further away and walk a little extra.
Movement increases your steps, but if you’re not watching your calorie intake, it can ruin a good job.
In its 2021 obesity prevention campaign, the PHA advised anyone who is overweight to cut back on portions.
