Walk around Portugal this Spring!

NHS Western Isles is delighted to announce that, funded by HITRANS, it will be offering a new Step Count Challenge this Spring.  Using the Big Team Challenge App to log their steps and position, participants will make their way along a virtual route around Portugal over a 12-week period starting from Friday 7th March 2025.  The challenge follows on from the success of the Winter 2024 North Coast 500 Challenge.

Recent evidence suggests that as little 3500 steps per day could ensure some health benefits, with that rising to maximum benefit from 12500 steps plus. This project will focus participants on looking at what their current daily step count is, and building on that, in the understanding that many of us with sedentary, desk-based jobs may struggle to achieve even the minimum 3500 recommended on a typical day. An activity-to-steps conversion tool is included within the app, allowing participants to add activities other than walking to their steps total, such as exercise classes, gardening or other chores.

This aligns with the physical activity guidelines “Sit less, Move More”. Increasing our physical activity can benefit our health through; improved cardiovascular health, better weight management, stronger muscles and bones, enhanced mental health, improved blood sugar control, better sleep, increased longevity, enhanced mobility and flexibility, improved digestion and boosted immune system.

During the Winter Challenge, walkers commentated that the option to track progress with the app motivated them to keep going, even when the weather wasn’t kind.  Many said they felt benefits to their health from the additional physical activity, whilst several started walking with others that they continued after the Challenge ended. Some members of the public and previous participants asked if they could take part as a team, so participants will now have the option to join as a team of up to four people, although it will still be possible to participate as an individual.

Laura MacKay, NHS Western Isles Health Improvement Practitioner, said “We were highly encouraged by the positive experiences of our Winter Step Challenge walkers from the Butt to Barra. An incredible 127,688,295 steps were logged across the 12 weeks! We hope new and old walkers will be encouraged to join the Spring Challenge, as walking for just 30 minutes a day can bring benefits to our health.”

HITRANS has supported this initiative by funding prize incentives, including £10 Shop Local Na H-Eileanan an Iar Gift Cards to be won along the way, and Gold/Silver/Bronze prizes from £50-£150, to be awarded at the end of the Challenge. The final prizes will be split into ability categories, ensuring there are incentives for all abilities.

Colum Durkan, NHS Western Isles Director of Public Health, said “We were delighted to see so many walkers getting out, improving their mental and physical health and wellbeing during the winter months.  The Spring Step Challenge will motivate people in all island areas to maintain their good walking habits!”

Registration closes at midnight on Friday 7th March. The Challenge will run for 12 weeks from Friday 7th March 2025 – Saturday 31st May 2025 inclusive.  The Challenge is free and open to all residents of the Outer Hebrides aged 16 years and over.

To register visit: https://forms.office.com/e/K2f0yBgxS1 or e-mail: laura.mackay15@nhs.scot 

For further information on the challenge: 

Email: laura.mackay15@nhs.scot

Telephone: Lewis & Harris – 01851 708065 Uists & Barra – 01870 602 588