A regular stroll or brisk walk in the park could rapidly slash the death rate of heart disease, cancer and other chronic diseases, according to new research by The World Cancer Research Fund.
The survey, supported by The Department for Transport's National Travel Survey, reveals that the number of people choosing to walk instead of driving or taking public transport is at the lowest level since 1988.
It was found that the average person takes 960 trips a year, 64 per cent of which are by car and 20 per cent of these being less than a mile. The number of Brits who walk for the recommended 20 minutes, three times a week or more is a mere 41 per cent. In fact, one in five only walk 20 minutes on foot once a year or less.
The WCRF has sinced launched its Walking Together Campaign, urging more people to get active on foot and raise the benefits of walking.
"Being regularly physically active has such a significant effect on cancer risk that it is really important people get 30 minutes a day, however they choose to do it," says Dr Rachel Thompson from the study.
"For many, brisk walking is the most obvious way because it is also a way of getting around. The fact that levels have dropped so far over such a short period is a deep concern because there is no suggestion people have swapped walking for other activities."
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