Maidenhead & Windsor

The Maidenhead Royal Borough is packing yet another healthy "punch" with its latest SHINE-ing example of a healthy approach to living.

Its innovative SHINE scheme (Structured Health Improvement through Nutrition and Exercise) is to be officially launched next week to encourage Maidenhead residents to take the first steps to a healthier lifestyle through nutrition and exercise.

Aimed at Maidenhead people who have so far been reluctant to take a SHINE to walking, the new scheme provides a package of practical aids and information to getting started on the road to increased fitness – from new walks leaflets and pedometers to health advice and even improved signs in parks around the borough.

The scheme – organised jointly by the Maidenhead council's leisure department, libraries and parks – builds on the popularity of the collection of 20 walks leaflets already available – and takes the exercise theme a stage further with its specially-designed healthy approach based on the NHS Stepometer programme.

Leaflets will initially be available at the borough's leisure centres free – but for £5 would-be walkers can take advantage of the whole package comprising the leaflets, a pedometer and an optional five-minute health check which measures blood pressure, resting heart rate and height.
(For £10 the package also includes a Land Ranger map to enable walkers to plot their own routes more accurately).

The five new leaflets feature walks of varying lengths around Dedworth, Eton, Pinkneys Green, Desborough Park and Cox Green, and the Boulters Lock area.

Also helping to point Maidenhead residents on the right road (or in this case, path!) will be improved signs at Royal Borough parks, identified by the distinctive footprint logoalso branding the leaflets – giving information such as the size and history of the park and the number of footsteps needed to cover the area.

Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for leisure and cultural services, said: "Anything we can do to encourage people to adopt a healthier lifestyle has got to be worthwhile.

"The borough's collection of walks leaflets are already very popular with residents and visitors alike, but the SHINE scheme takes exercise and nutrition a step further by introducing the health benefits in such a practical way.

"I hope more people will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to get out and about and enjoy some of the beautiful parts of our borough – while taking care of their health at the same time."

For further information contact Mark Camp-Overy, leisure services unit Maidenhead project manager on 01628 685821.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead