Exercise is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. By simply engaging in 30 minutes of exercise every day you can decrease the risk of developing cancer as well as improving cardiovascular fitness, maintaining bone material density and reducing stress.

Did you know that doing little or no physical activity is associated with a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer?  Physical inactivity is responsible for 14% of colon cancers and 11% of post-menopausal breast cancers – and most likely contributes to many other cancers.

This is why I am encouraging my staff to take part in Walk to Work on Friday 16 September. Now in its 13th year this annual event aims to encourage employers and their employees to implement walking and exercise into their daily routine.

It’s easy to become reliant on technology to make our lives easier. Many of us drive to work, sit at a desk all day and email our colleagues instead of getting up and moving around the office.

The Walk to Work initiative is challenging employers and employees alike to push themselves and work towards a more physical and healthy future.

So on Friday 16 September put your health first and walk to work. Too far to walk you say? Not a problem, get off your bus or train a few stops early and walk the rest of the way, spend your lunch break strolling around park, take the stairs and not the lift, make the effort to live a healthier life.

Now, where did I put my joggers?

• Register online now at WalktoWork