Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Five thousand steps? Six thousand steps?

The World Health Organisation recommends walking a minimum of 10,000 steps a day. The average person in a sedentary job will only manage between 3,000 and 5,000!

By leading this sedentary lifestyle, many are ignoring the health risks – heart attacks, diabetes, high cholesterol, strokes and obesity.

We are spending more time sitting in our cars than we used to, more time sitting at our desks, and more time sitting in front of the TV or computer when we are at home. We are also working longer hours and making excuses that we can’t fit in exercise, as we either don’t have the time or we are too tired - does this all sound too familiar?

It is not too late to start looking at how many steps you do daily – get yourself a pedometer and improve your chances of staying healthy.

Take a look at www.gettheworldmoving.com and also the British Heart Foundation for some excellent health advice – www.bhf.org.uk