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Circular Walking Path?

by Haddenham Webteam – 7th June 2018
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David Lindsey runs the 'Tyrefighters' weight loss group at the Haddenham Medical Centre.

At the Parish Council meeting this week, he proposed that a footpath be installed in the recreation ground at Woodways, as an extension of the existing surfaced path, to provide a circular route around the perimeter of the field.

This would create a very accessible and safe exercise route for young and old alike, and have the added benefit of being very close to two of the three village schools – adding another option for their pupils' physical activities.

Here is David's full explanation, and his invitation for residents to comment:

My name is David Lindsey and the Tyrefighters Weight Loss Group I formed just over four years ago at the Health Centre is still going strong, with some excellent weight loss successes.

Three main pillars of the Tyrefighters philosophy are that the reasons we put on weight are:

  • We eat too much
  • We eat the wrong stuff
  • We don't take enough exercise

I am writing this now in relation to the third reason, the lack of exercise, and I would like to put a very serious idea to you.

When I lecture on exercise the main topic is the value of walking. It needs no special kit, the exposure to the pastime can be varied to suit the existing degree of fitness of the participant and the benefits of this type of exercise are medically proven to reduce the possibility of Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and some forms of cancer.

Looking just at one of these conditions, Type 2 Diabetes, it is not often realised that this condition is a killer. It can lead to blindness, amputations of the lower limbs, nerve damage and dialysis. Most people on dialysis are diabetics and there are over 7,000 diabetes-related lower limb amputations every year in the UK.

The Government is well aware of the long term effects of obesity on public health and if the graph showing the percentage of the population who are overweight continues on its seemingly unstoppable upward path the NHS will collapse in the not-too-distant future. Restricting certain types of food and sugar content means they are making a start but it's no good expecting the Government to completely solve the problem.

So why don't we, at local level, start a project which could lead to improved health and fitness for the whole range of ages and a possible cure for some of the loneliness we are told is a serious problem for many of our older citizens.

The Haddenham Walking Path will cost money but I am sure it can be found from local government sources, local company donations, the Parish Council, charitable organisations and other interested parties if we put our minds to it.

If you are interested in helping to improve the health and fitness of the people in this great village then do drop me an Email on:

tyrefighters@outlook.com

and we can get started.

I look forward to hearing from you.
David Lindsey


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