Questions & Answers
The same handful of questions reach our inbox again and again, so we have gathered the answers here. If yours is not covered, the contact page explains how to ask.
About the site
What is I Walk Softly?
An independent online magazine about everyday health: walking and other movement, sleep and recovery, food, body measurements, and the habits of mind that hold everything together. The longer description is on our about page.
Who writes the articles?
A small editorial team writing under pen names. We are writers and editors, not health professionals, and we say so plainly. You can read about the thinking behind the project on Meet the Project.
Is the site linked to a clinic, brand or health service?
No. We are not part of any hospital, pharmacy, gym, food company or supplement business, and nobody pays us to cover a particular product.
About health information
Can you tell me whether an article applies to me?
We are sorry, but no. We cannot assess individual symptoms, conditions or medicines. A GP, practice nurse or pharmacist can look at your situation properly, and that conversation is worth far more than an email from us.
Why do your articles keep saying "check with a professional"?
Because it is often the most useful sentence in the piece. General information works for general cases, and many readers are not general cases: they are pregnant, take regular medication, are recovering from surgery or live with a long-term condition. Our health information notice sets out when that check matters most.
Where do your facts come from?
Mainly from guidance published by public health bodies and other reliable general sources. We avoid invented statistics and unnamed experts, and when the evidence on something is unclear we say that rather than picking a side. The house rules describe the process in full.
Why do some articles mention supplements or products?
Readers ask about them, so we explain what they are and what is and is not known. A mention is never an endorsement, and it is never a reason to skip advice from someone who knows your health history.
About using the site
Do you track what I read?
No. There are no analytics, adverts or tracking scripts. Your browser remembers one thing, your answer to the storage notice, as described in the cookie policy.
Is there a newsletter or an account to sign up for?
Not at the moment. The site is free to read, with no logins and no paywall.
Can I share or quote an article?
Sharing links is always welcome. Short quotes are fine with credit and a link back; the details are in the website terms.
Where should a newcomer begin?
Try Start Here for a short reading route, or First Steps if you would like a simple two-week plan.
About getting in touch
How do I suggest a topic or report a mistake?
Email inbox@iwalksoftly.com with the article title and a sentence or two about what you have in mind. We read everything and usually reply within a week.
Do you accept guest posts or sponsored content?
No. Everything on the site is written by our own team, and we do not sell links or coverage.
Tell us what you think.
Corrections are always welcome.
Short answers
The questions that reach us most
If yours is missing, our inbox is open.
Do I need a fitness tracker to follow your walking articles?
Not at all. A rough sense of how long you walked works fine, and many people find it more relaxing than watching a number climb.
Is walking enough exercise on its own?
For many people it is a valuable foundation. Public guidance generally suggests adding some strength work too, but the right mix depends on your health, so ask your doctor if you are unsure.
Why don't you publish meal plans?
Fixed plans rarely suit everyone, and some people need specialist advice about food. We prefer to write about everyday ingredients and small changes you can adapt yourself.
Can I suggest something for you to cover?
Please do. Quite a few of our pieces began life as a question from a reader, so write in through the contact page.