Dust off your walking shoes

Everyone participating in the community walking groups needs to keep 1.5m apart, practice good hand hygiene and cough etiquette, bring their own water bottles and towels, and stay home if unwell.

The Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) coordinates Heart Foundation Walking groups that meet on different days in Kempsey, South West Rocks, Yarrahappinni (near Stuarts Point) and Gladstone.

Local area coordinator and Health Promotion Officer Margo Johnston said walking groups offer great opportunities for people to exercise regularly, create new social networks and look after their physical and mental health.

"There are many reasons why walking for pleasure is one of the most popular activities in Australia," Ms Johnston said.

"Walking for an average of 30 minutes a day can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30 to 40 per cent."

Walking regularly has also been proven to manage weight, blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce the risk of developing some cancers, maintain bone density and reduce your risk of osteoporosis and fractures, improve balance and coordination, and reduce your risk of falls and other injuries.

Kempsey Heart Foundation Walking group's valued member, Caroline Shaw, recently achieved a huge target of 1000 walks after 12 years of walking with the large and committed group of locals.

Caroline said that while regular exercise is beneficial for health, the social aspect is why most people keep walking with the group.

"There are up to 30 of us and we gather at a local café after every walk for a coffee and a chat. We also hold our Christmas party lunch every year and regularly celebrate each other's birthdays," she said.

The group walks at 9am every Tuesday and Thursday morning from Kempsey Riverside Park. New members are welcome. For more details, visit the Heart Foundation Walking website at: https://walking.heartfoundation.org.au

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