13 November 2002

How far does an MP walk in a week?

So how far does an MP walk in a week? Especially when factoring in the planes, taxis, lifts and parliamentary conveyor belts?

Veteren athlete and Green MP Mike Ward will, from today, start to find out as part of his effort to raise awareness for diabetes awareness week.

Mr Ward has agreed to wear a 'walkometer' for the next six days to measure how far he walks in an average day. After the first three days he will be issued with a set of instructions on how he can modify his routines to incorporate more exercise into his day.

"Type two diabetes is a lifestyle disease which can be reduced by 50 per cent through moderate physical exercise and by up to 75 per cent by controlling obesity. Unfortunately both obesity and diabetes are becoming endemic in this country and we must try and turn this around, starting now," he said.

Mr Ward said he was hoping this experiment would not show up any laze in his current routine.

"Walking rather than taking the lifts between floors, walking on the escalators, getting off the bus one stop early, playing a sport - all these little things we can incorporate into our days can help keep us in shape and in good health.

"It's a pretty reasonable insurance policy and it has the added advantage of reducing stress."

Mr Ward said even the busiest of MPs manage to fit regular exercise in to their daily routines.

"It is encouraging to see the number that already walk to the office, use the pool and the gym and take the stairs instead of the lift."

ENDS

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