When It Comes to Your Health, Every Step Counts

December Article from Zion & Trinity’s Parish Nurse—Diana Broniec

Walking may be the most natural and accessible activity to improve and maintain health and well-being. You can’t beat walking for convenience, and you don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy its benefits.

Skip the ride and walk when you can. You can walk anytime, anywhere, indoors and outdoors, rain or shine, alone, with a friend or your dog.

Walking doesn’t require special equipment or memberships. You can even walk in place. All you really need is supportive shoes and comfortable clothes.

If you move at a brisk pace, walking can keep your body tuned up and increase your heartbeat and blood flow. Health and fitness professionals recommend 10,000 steps a day or a series of 10-minute walks totaling 150 minutes during the week.

Walking burns calories and fat. It also tones and shapes muscles and helps keep bones strong. It can give you a rosy glow, boost your mood and help your posture. You might even feel more confident if you find it helps your balance and coordination.

Plus, regular walking can help prevent and relieve many illnesses like heart disease, arthritis, obesity, osteoporosis, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s. Hospital professionals know that the sooner patients walk, the better they recover.

Walking is good at any age. When disabilities or aging interfere, try walking with a cane, walker or other assistive device.

However, there are times that call for precautions. If you have a heart condition, diabetes or high blood pressure, check with your doctor before you start a walking program. Please stop and seek medical attention if you feel faint, dizzy, or short of breath while walking. Once you have the go ahead from your doctor, remember that every step counts. It’s as easy as putting one foot in front of the other.

Resources: American Heart Association; National Institutes of Health; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention