Westmeath Heart Foundation walk is in Delvin

The Irish Heart Foundation is urging the people of Westmeath to get their hearts pumping by taking part in a World Heart Day walk in their area. All you have to do is step outside your front door and go walking on October 5 to give your heart a healthy boost.The national charity for heart health, in association with Ecco shoes, is supporting almost 600 walks all over the country including 2 in Westmeath, over 15,000 people will be taking part in this nationwide event.The walk for the North Westmeath area takes place in Delvin, leaving from Carmel Gaffney"s, at 2.30 p.m. on Sunday of this week, October 5.Further details on the walk are available from Margaret Bray on 087 2142811.The other walk is taking place in Athlone on Friday, and details on that walk are available from Dolores Waldron on 09064 92170.Regular walking reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and other health problems such as osteoporosis and cancer. Tanya Comber-Rait from the Irish Heart Foundation said: 'Walking is one of the simplest and safest ways to get active and we are trying to encourage as many people to get involved as possible. It"s easy, it"s free and you feel great. Grab a comfortable pair of walking shoes, a light rain jacket and you"re set.'She continued: 'At a time when over half of Irish adults and 320,000 children and teens are either overweight or obese, we cannot stress enough how important it is to be active. By doing something so simple as walking regularly at a moderate pace, you can really make a difference to your health which is what World Heart Day is all about.'Last year, almost 500 organised walks took place across the country and this year, more than 10,000 people in Ireland are expected to get out walking in local parks, towns and on Sli na Slainte pathways to health on World Heart Day on October 5th.For health benefits, the Foundation recommends walking at a hearty pace for at least 30 minutes or more on most days of the week. You"ll know you"re doing it right when you feel your heart beat a little faster, increase your breathing and raise a little sweat on your brow. You should be able to walk 3km in about 30 to 40 minutes depending on your pace.