Highway to Health is an innovative scheme which aims to encourage people of all ages to walk for leisure and good health. This venture is led by Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke and supported by District Councils and DRD Roads Service.
Launching the initiative the Minister said: “If you’re not in the habit of taking regular exercise, start slowly, enjoy being out and about, and gradually build up to the recommended 30 minutes a day. Why not invite your friends, family or work colleagues to join you when you go walking. The Highway to Health initiative provides for attractive signs to be placed at 1km intervals on popular walking routes to encourage people of all ages to take exercise for leisure and good health.”
Mr Derek Sweetnam from the Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Association has co-ordinated the setting up of the Highway to Health walking routes. He said: “The routes are designed for people of all ages and levels of fitness. The distance and speed of walking is decided by the individual. People who have not been taking regular exercise are advised to adopt a sensible and moderate approach.”
Further information regarding Highway to Health walking routes can be obtained on the Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke Association website www.NICHSA.com.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The first Highway to Health route was launched in Strabane, Co. Tyrone in 1998. Since then 24 of the 26 Councils have signed up to the project. Highway to Health walking routes include public footpaths, housing estates, riverside walks, public parks and forest trails.
- Media enquiries to Anne Armstrong or Michaela Smyth, DRD Press Office, Tel 028 9054 0887. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
