Take a walk on wild side of Ireland

Q&A: Emma Bird

Walking was a waste of valuable time, time that could be better spent pursuing any of the many distractions that modern life increasingly provided. But then statistics began to show a significant deterioration in public health, as convenience and fast foods, combined with a catastrophic lack of exercise, led to an alarming rise in type 2 diabetes, heart disease, anxiety and depression.

Walking has been shown to increase bone health and a reduction in harmful cholesterol. Studies have shown that walking may also help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s. So perhaps its not too surprising that there has, of late, been a huge resurgence of interest in this most basic of human activities — for the many health benefits it can offer.