Walking is a great way to stay active and healthy… plus it’s free! There are many health benefits associated with walking.
It’s good for your heart. Walking regularly can help reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Remember your heart is a muscle too, and it’s important to use our muscles on a regular basis to keep them strong;
It strengthens bones and joints. Walking is easier on joints than higher-impact activities like running or jumping, but it still helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis and risk of falls.
It’s good for your blood sugars. If you have diabetes, or if you are trying to prevent diabetes walking is a great way to reduce your risk of high blood sugar levels.
It can ease the mind. Many mental health benefits have been associated with activity, like reduced stress, less depression, and a better night’s sleep.
There are many simple ways you can add steps throughout your day. Here are some fun tips that will help you to add steps to your day without going out of your way:
– make an after-dinner walk a family tradition;
– if you make a call, walk while you talk;
– for every hour of TV programming there are 17 minutes of commercials; walk around your house during the TV commercials;
– start a walking club with your neighbours or friends;
– take the stairs rather than the elevator or escalator;
– walk your grocery cart back to the front of the store;
– take several trips to unload your groceries from your car;
– start a break-time walking club with your co-workers;
– park farther away from building entrances.
Mixing it Up!
Add variety-by trying something new, do the same activity in a new place, or be active with someone new to make it social.
Make being active fun – dance or listen to music or books on tape while being active.
Challenge yourself – try adding more steps to your day, or try training for a challenging hike.
Another way to challenge yourself is by counting your steps by using a pedometer, and try to increase the number of steps you make each day. A pedometer is a device that counts the number of steps you take while walking. They detect your body’s gait movement by being warn at your waist. Using a pedometer will help you gauge how active you are throughout the day and can help motivate you to walk more.
Pedometers are available for loan at any branch of the Wellington County libraries. Borrow a pedometer with your family and record the number of steps you take.
For more information about any of the free services offered by your local Family Health Team ask your doctor or nurse practitioner during your next visit, visit the website www.afhto.ca or google ‘“family health team locations.”
Submitted by the Minto-Mapleton Family Health Team
