Walking for Health

Exercise and fitness image.

What do you think is the most popular form of exercise? Well, if you guessed walking, you’d be correct. After all, it’s free, it’s easy, it doesn’t require any fancy equipment or clothes, it’s convenient, there’s no set schedule and you can do it almost anywhere, anytime.

Health benefits of walking includes:
  • Reduced risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease and diabetes

  • Increased longevity

  • Weight loss or maintenance

  • Improved sleep

  • Stronger bones

  • Reduced incidence of depression

  • Increase in the body’s “good” cholesterol

  • Better muscle strength and balance

How to get started with a walking routine? First, get a good pair of shoes that have adequate arch support. Remember to stretch a bit, particularly the calves and hamstrings. Start out slow. Ease into it slowly and increase your pace and distance gradually until you’re where you want to be.

Just like any other type of physical activity, you need to walk on a regular basis if you want to see and feel the results. Many of us overlook those countless small opportunities to walk. Park further away from the supermarket entrance. Take the stairs.

A brisk walk for 30 minutes a day, every other day or so, will work wonders for your physical and mental health. So get up from behind the computer, grab a friend and start walking!

Dr. Susan  Asks some important questions of interest to Sandyston residents - Chiropractor Sandyston Dr. Susan Asks...

How long does it take to form a bone spur?
Many who begin chiropractic care think their problem happened "last week when you bent over funny." But pictures of the spine tell a different story. Chiropractors know it can take your body years to deposit the calcium necessary to form a bone spur. It's your body's response to stress due to gravity or joint malfunction. And chiropractic care can help.
Are aches and pains good or bad?
While aches or pains may be unpleasant, they're merely warning signs. As a Sandyston chiropractor, I see this all the time. The pain is not the problem! It just means a limitation has been reached and something needs to change. That's when we get to work correcting the underlying cause.