The Ramblers is a health service. Oviously it enables its mebers to become fitter but it is also a health service with a number of different dimesions
- It is a preventive health service and a weekly Ramblers walk will reduce the risk of all the common long term conditions
- It is a therapeutic health service and the nHS is starting to appreciate need for people with long term health problemslike cancer to be regularly doing the type of exercise that a typical Ramblers walk requires
- It is a wellbeing service, and everyone who goes on a walk feels better and people who are just recovering from a serious acute episode, or who have become housebound because of a serious health problems will benefit from the specially designed, shorter Wellbeing Walks
- It Is a mental health service not only preventing and alleviating depression but also, it is now known that it is posssible to reduce the risk of dementia through being a Rambler. this is not only the result of the physical activity and its beneficial impact on weight and disease of the cardiovascular system but because it offers the opportunity for meaningful work as a volunteer. The major review of the evidence conducted by the Lancet found that being involved in challenging occupations, like being a volunteer or , even more, on a Committee was an effective means of reducing risk.
- www.livelongerbetter.uk – the NHS system
- www.howtolivelongerbetter.net – practical advice for mebers of the public
- www.reducetheriskandimpactofdementia.com – how to reduce your risk of dementia
- www.drgrayswalkingcure.net – thepreventive and therapeutic benefits of walking
- https://www.learningwithexperts.com/collections/health-wellbeing-courses - opportunities for learning in a group
- The Oxford Longevity Project- offers best current knowledge about the benefits of exercise and a framework for preparing a personalised plan for living longer better which can include Ramblers activities