National Start Walking Day

Today is National Start Walking Day.  Why walk?  It's a great form of physical activity that almost anyone can do without too much special equipment.  You'll need some comfortable shoes, a place to walk, and a little bit of time.  If you don't have 30 minutes, start with 10 minutes today.  The next day, try for 10 minutes at two different points, for a total of 20 minutes.  You'll be up to 30 minutes a day before you know it!

What do you get for walking 30 minutes a day?

According to the American Heart Association's "Does Walking Really Work?":

"Research has shown that the benefits of walking and moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day can help you:

• Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
• Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels
• Improve blood lipid profile
• Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity
• Enhance mental well being
• Reduce the risk of osteoporosis
• Reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer
• Reduce the risk of non insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes"

Visit the American Heart Association's start! website to find out more.  Or just go out and start walking!

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M.B.