by Dr. Virginia Harbour, PT
Our first step taken as children is a benchmark in childhood development that leads to our ability to walk. For most of us, our first step occurred somewhere in the last month or two of our first year of life. And to think, we have been walking ever since.
Walking has become a very popular activity among seniors and is a good way to get your daily dose of exercise. Walking is reported to have a multitude of health benefits such as improving circulation, breathing, and your immune system. It has also been reported to combat depression, prevent osteoporosis, prevent and control diabetes, control weight, reduce risk of breast cancer, and is good for your heart.
A recent Harvard study found that walking at a moderate pace of 3 mph for up to 3 hours per week (30 minutes per day) can cut the risk of heart disease in women by as much as 40%, which is comparable to the benefit from aerobics. Another study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that exercise slows down the aging process. The study reported a significant difference in the cells of twins. The one who exercised regularly showed a slowing of cell changes associated with aging when compared to the cell changes of the twin who was sedentary.
If you want to live healthier longer, get up and go! Start a walking program today. It is easy to implement and best of all, it’s free. Get your neighbors involved. You are more likely to stick with it if you include others in your walks. One way to get motivated is to wear a pedometer. It will keep a count of the steps you take and give you a benchmark to achieve daily. You will find yourself adding distance to your daily walking by finding excuses to add to the number of steps on your pedometer.
Take that first step toward a happier, healthier, and longer life. Clip on your pedometer and start moving.
If you are 65 years of age or over, call our office for a free pedometer.
Elite Home Care
405.752.2523
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