Lace up for a healthier lifestyle

The intriguing challenge invites people go for a few simple walks, and keep count of the number of steps they have taken using a free pedometer.  They can then see how the distance they have covered measures up against some of the country’s most famous walking trails.

The challenge has been made possible by a new walking tool set up on Bayer’s website www.bayerdiabetes.co.uk.  Once logged in, Bayerdiabetes.co.uk members can send off for a free pedometer, and get started.  The walking tool encourages them to set weekly goals, customise their challenge and, using their pedometer, enter the number of steps they take on their walks.

A spokesperson for Bayer Diabetes Care said: “It’s very easy to do, as the website literally takes you through the process from start to finish.  The beauty of it is that even if you can only get out for ten minutes a day, every step you take counts towards your final total.”

By working out how far they have walked, participants can then see whether the distance is the equivalent of completing any of the famous trails set out in the challenge.  The trails listed include walks such as the Berkshire Downs, Lake District trails or even Ben Nevis.

Bayer’s spokesperson added: “It’s very easy to get started:  people just need to visit www.bayerdiabetes.co.uk/register , log in, click onto ‘tools’ then follow the instructions.  Walking is a very simple and healthy activity which is beneficial to people with diabetes.  By taking part in the challenge, people will feel better, and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing they have effectively walked the distance of some of the country’s most well known trails!”

-Ends-

Andrea Postles, Tel. 01635 563 031

E-Mail: andrea.postles@bayer.com

Craig Mowat, Tel. 01635 563 523

E-Mail: craig.mowat@bayer.com

Note to Editors

Bayer Diabetes Care

Bayer Diabetes Care is dedicated to providing blood glucose meters and support materials designed to simplify the lives of people with diabetes and their healthcare professionals.  Bayer produces several blood glucose monitoring systems for people with diabetes, these are:

• CONTOUR® - a blood glucose monitoring system that help patients manage their condition with the freedom to enjoy their everyday lives.
• CONTOUR® USB - the first blood glucose meter with on-board diabetes management software to help people with diabetes view their blood glucose results and track trends.
• CONTOUR® Link – wirelessly transmits blood glucose results to a compatible Medtronic diabetes device.
• BREEZE®2 - a blood glucose monitoring system with a 10-test disc that delivers results in just five seconds, without the need to worry about individual test strips.
•  

About Bayer HealthCare                                    

The Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer HealthCare, a subgroup of Bayer AG with annual sales of EUR 16.913 billion (2010), is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Consumer Care, Medical Care and Pharmaceuticals divisions. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Bayer HealthCare has a global workforce of 55.700 employees (Dec 31, 2010) and is represented in more than 100 countries. Find more information at www.bayerhealthcare.com.

 Bayer: Science For A Better Life

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In fiscal 2010, Bayer in the UK and Ireland, employed more than 1,200 people and had sales of £770m. Bayer’s offices are in Newbury (head office), Cambridge, Dublin, Uxbridge, Sheffield and Norwich. For more information, go to www.bayer.co.uk

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Globally, in fiscal 2010, Bayer employed more than 110,000 people and had sales of €35.1 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to €1.6 billion, R&D expenses to €3.1 billion. For more information, go to www.bayer.com

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