SIR - A think-tank has warned that the NHS is suffering its ‘hardest decade ever’.
As our lives become more inactive, we are growing unhealthier and continuing to place a strain on our health service.
The focus needs to be on prevention.
An easy solution to our sedentary lifestyle is getting more people walking and yet last month’s National Travel Survey results revealed that over one in five people hadn’t walked for 20 minutes at all within the last year.
Walking is free, accessible to all and can be easily slotted into everyday life. It is good for our mental health and can prevent chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.
The Government Spending Review needs to focus on prevention measures as well as the immediate NHS needs.
Most of us say we’d walk more if it was safer, more attractive or more convenient. We need to make sure it is so that more people start walking and feeling the lifelong physical, social, mental and practical benefits it brings.
Jenny Wiles, Regional Director North East and Yorkshire, Living Streets, Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne
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