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Walking and cycling good for health even in cities with higher levels of air pollution

27/5/2016

 
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Regular physical activity reduces the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and several cancers. One way for people to increase their levels of physical activity is through ‘active travel’ – for example walking and cycling. However, concern has been raised about the potential risk due to air pollution while walking and cycling in urban environments.
 
Air pollution is one of the leading environmental risk factors for people’s health. A recent report from the Royal Colleges of Physicians and of Paediatrics and Child Health suggested that it contributes to around 40,000 early deaths a year in the UK. One of the main sources of air pollution in cities is transport and a shift from cars, motorbikes and buses to active travel would help to reduce emissions. However, people who walk or cycle in such environments will inhale more pollution, which could be detrimental to their health.
 
Researchers from CEDAR, a partnership between the Universities of Cambridge and East Anglia, and the Medical Research Council, used computer simulations to compare the risks and benefits for different levels of intensity and duration of active travel and of air pollution in different locations around the world. Using this data, the researchers calculated that in practical terms, air pollution risks will not negate the health benefits of active travel in the vast majority of urban areas worldwide. Only 1% of cities in the World Health Organization’s Ambient Air Pollution Database had pollution levels high enough that the risks of air pollution could start to overcome the benefits of physical activity after half an hour of cycling every day.
 
Dr Marko Tainio from the MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, who led the study, says: “Our model indicates that in London health benefits of active travel always outweigh the risk from pollution. Even in Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world – with pollution levels ten times those in London – people would need to cycle over five hours per week before the pollution risks outweigh the health benefits".
 
Full article can be found here

Danish Electric Bike Study Success

27/5/2016

 
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A travel behaviour trail of electric bikes (ebikes) by the Danish Cycling Embassy in 9 villages surrounding the Danish town of Randers has increased levels of cycling. Each village was given 10 ebikes which inhabitants could borrow for up to three months. Borrowing these bikes where free and the goal was to make people aware of the possibilities of the ebike, in turn making them favor the ebike instead of the car for their everyday commute to work. This project turned out to be a huge success and the numbers below quite simply speak for themselves:
 
Results from the trial offering free use:
  • 21% of participants have gone on to buy an ebike underlining the importance of try–before–you-buy in the ebike market.
  • 11% of participants choose to replace their previous car journey commute with an ebike.
  • 45% of participants bike more after the trial.
  • 75% of participants were female.
The study concludes that electric bikes are appropriate for dispersed small and medium sized towns and villages where the distance may be perceived to be too far by conventional bike.

Full article can be found here

Let's Think Green!

27/5/2016

 
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Travel Plan Plus look forward to seeing you at our annual event which offers you the chance to explore a wide range of sustainable modes of transport to get to work, options for running errands on the weekends including family day trips or even reviewing your current transport options. The event will be held at the Trinity Centre Upper Car Park, on Thursday 2nd June from 1130-1430.
 
Dr Bike free health check up at 1130 to 1530 and puncture repair maintenance demonstration between 1230 to 1330 requires pre-booking and we still have slots available. Please email: info@travelplanplus.org.uk 
 
There should be something for all including amazing prizes, so do come along and check it out on the day!

Travel Plan Plus Hi-Vis Vests

27/5/2016

 
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The World Environment Day is "the opportunity for everyone to realise the responsibility to care for the Earth and to become agents of change" (UNEP, 2016). Travel Plan Plus is doing our small part to encourage more people to run, walk, cycle or motorbike to work and at the same time encouraging more people to be seen by wearing hi-vis vests while considering these modes on the road. Our official launch of these free hi-vis vests will be at the Let's Think Green event on 2nd June. Do come along to enjoy the event and grab your FREE Travel Plan Plus Hi-Vis Vest!

Ever wondered why your 'running career' is blighted with persistent niggles and injuries?

27/5/2016

 
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Why even after rest injuries come back or don’t heal? Or despite your best efforts you can’t quite hit that personal best?
 
The answer may well be poor or faulty biomechanics. Something somewhere within all those muscles and joints stops doing what it should which leads to pain and injury. The Sports Injury Clinic will be on hand with expert knowhow and specialist software to offer an analysis of your running patterns and identify any underlying issues in your biomechanics that may be limiting your running performance or predisposing you to injury then advise you how to make improvements, resolve injury issues and help you become a better runner.
 
The Sports Injury Clinic are an award winning sports injury and physiotherapy practice with clinics across Cambridgeshire and Essex. Some of the team will also be available at the Let’s Think Green event to discuss injury problems and aches and pains, running related or otherwise. Please come and discuss with one of our team at the Revolution Health & Fitness Club on Thursday 2nd June.

Eight Ways to Get Fit at Work

27/5/2016

 
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Some schedules don't leave much room for working out. If you have the motivation but you don't have the time, it is still possible to accumulate activity throughout the day to stay healthy. All you have to do is exercise whenever and wherever you can. Results don't necessarily require long hours in the gym. It's completely possible to stay healthy and get in to shape by "active living." Active living is simply, making your lifestyle more active. It's a very easy transition and can make a huge difference to your overall health and energy levels. Let’s use some of the suggestions listed below to add activity in to your work day.

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  1. Go for a walk after you eat lunch. Convince your co-workers to come along, the extra motivation and company.
  2. If your workplace has a gym, use it before or after work.
  3. Use resistance tubes at your desk.
  4. Wear a pedometer to monitor your climb to 10,000 steps per day.
  5. Always take the stairs over the elevator.
  6. Walk everywhere. Hand deliver in-house messages instead of emailing and walk instead of taking the car for local errands.
  7. Schedule your exercise. Make it an appointment and stick to it.
  8. Stretch every hour to prevent stiff muscles, back and neck pain.

​Find ways to add activity in to your busy routine. If you have the motivation, you will do it!
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