PATIENTS are being encouraged to take steps towards healthier lifestyles with a walking initiative.
Step-O-Meters have been presented to a group of patients from GP practices in Chester-le-Street and Derwentside in a bid to help them improve their health through walking.
GPs from 12 practices chose ten patients to carry the electronic device, which measures each step taken and how miles covered.
The pilot project should help people to achieve the recommended 30 minutes of exercise needed at least five times a week. The project will run for a 12-week trial.
Liz Moran, of Derwentside and Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trusts said: "It is hoped that the use of this equipment will enable patients to establish a baseline of their current physical activity levels and to set a personal target for increasing this over the life of the project."
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