Walking - Call to Action
Last month the United States Surgeon General launched a campaign with a national call to action on walking. Dr. Vivek H. Murthy’s message was two-fold. First of all, he is calling on all of us, as US citizens, to get out there and start walking. The overall health benefits are incredible. The second part of Dr. Murthy’s message was a call to communities to improve access to walking, including better sidewalks, improved street lights, and community safety. There may be some of you reading this who could actually do something about that part of his message, whether you are a city planner or official, or are simply active in your community and like to shake things up a bit. The part of his message that we ALL can take home and put to use is walking more. The best things about walking are:
· It’s Free! Almost anyone can go for a walk or wheel-chair roll. It costs nothing! You already know how to do it, and don’t need to pay anyone to teach you how.
· Health Benefits: Along with a healthy diet, walking can help to decrease your risk for many diseases including Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, various types of cancer, arthritic symptoms, and can even lessen your chances of catching a cold! In fact, walking 20-25 minutes a WEEK could extend your life by several years. I think we can aim for more walking than that!
· Weight-loss: Walking for a mere 20 minutes each day will help you burn 7 pounds of body fat in one year. If you combine this with a healthier diet, and over time increase your walking time, you can burn even more!
· Mood-Boosting: Simply getting outside and getting fresh air can help improve your mood. Walking will cause your body to release endorphins, promote relaxation, and can help prevent anxiety and depression.
· Dementia and Alzheimer’s: It has been reported that walking 6-9 miles per week (this is approximately 20 minutes per day), will not only improve your chances of not suffering from mental decline, including dementia, as you age, but can cut your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in half.
What are you waiting for? If someone gave you a pill and told you it could do all of these things, you’d probably take it right? This isn’t a pill and doesn’t cost as much as one. Get out there!
