Can a Walk a Day, Keep the Doctor Away?
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Everyone should drink 8 cups of water per day. These are just two examples of health advice which is well known, but walking daily is another important one. Doctors and other healthcare professionals would like people to exercise for at least an hour every day, but a fair amount of people do not adhere to their suggestion. If exercising seems like too much, at least try walking, because walking is more important than you might think.
One recent study tested a little more than 2,000 men from Hawaii with ages ranging from 71-93 for 7 years. The study found that those men who walked approximately a quarter mile per day were twice as likely to develop dementia as those who walked more than two miles per day. Just think, two miles per day can have an enormous effect on one’s mental health. The brain needs to be stimulated, and walking every day can give your mind time to think and become healthier. Not to mention, walking can help people lose weight or possibly prevent weight gain.
In another study, researchers followed about 19,000 women (ages 70-81) for nine years. This study discovered that women who walked or exercised for at least 1.5 hours, did better on tests which challenged their attention and memory skills. Conversely, women who walked less than 40 minutes a week showed a decline in these categories. Walking greatly benefits cognitive skills and helps people lessen their chances of having a mental fall off so to say. Just like keeping your mind active with reading or writing or some other form of brain exercise, physical exercise also does wonders for the mind.
Of course with exercising and walking daily, comes the possibility of pain and discomfort. These are two factors which deter a good amount of people from continuing their workout routine, but pain and discomfort are necessary for growth. Muscles become sore, only to become stronger, but sometimes bones and joints also develop ailments. Joint Decision could be a useful aid with walking daily, because Joint Decision might help keep you on your feet and on the go. Glucosamine is one of the main ingredients in Joint Decision and it can help with the repair and production of cartilage which is necessary for cushioning between joints to keep them feeling healthy and strong. Check out more about Joint Decision on our website (lifepriority.com) to see if it could be right for you in your workout and walking endeavors.
The most important thing is to stay active and exercise on a regular basis, preferably daily, but going to the gym or lifting weights may not be your thing, so try walking and listening to some of your favorite music while doing so. You could also think through difficult decisions or situations in your life while you’re walking the trail or the neighborhood. Walking can be extremely therapeutic and good for your overall health, so start walking today and see for yourself!
To Your Health!-LP
Sources: http://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/exerciseforhealth/exerciseforhealthgetmovingtokeepyourbrainsharp/
http://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/dietandweightloss/extrabenefitsofwalkingdaily/