Wendy encourages school walkers in International Walk to School month

In addition to the May’s walk to school week, October is International Walk to School month. Walk to School Month is a chance to promote walking to school and all the health, safety, social and environmental benefits it brings.

The theme of this year’s Walk to School Month is Power Up!, focusing on getting children to power up with energy by walking to school. A brisk walk to school is an easy way to boost energy levels for the day ahead and improve overall health.

Wendy Alexander said

“It’s essential to get kids moving and the journey to and from school is the perfect place to start. All opportunities encouraging our youngsters, from toddlers to teenagers, to take exercise are worthwhile. Exercise habits formed in our youth tend to follow through to adulthood.

“Unfortunately figures currently show one in four Scots are at risk of dying early from diseases related to inactivity. The number of children travelling to school by car has doubled over the last 20 years – and only half of seven to 11 year olds are doing the recommended one hour of moderate physical activity a day.

“Getting children back in the habit of walking to school has obvious environmental benefits, and it helps with the fight against childhood obesity too”.