Walking is the Best Medicine

The Greek physician Hippocrates (known as the father of Western

medicine) once said: "Walking is man’s best medicine". What a relatively
simple and inexpensive "pill" that has such a huge impact on maintaining
and improving our health.

It only takes 30 minutes a day to improve cardiovascular health, strengthen

bones, reduce excess fat, increase muscle strength and endurance, and
reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain
cancers. Unlike some other forms of exercise, walking is free and doesn't
require any special equipment or training.
Walking is a great form of physical activity for people who are
overweight, elderly, or who haven’t exercised in a long time.
While the physical benefits are notable, the mental boost that can be
gleaned from adding a walk to your daily routine may be more immediate.
Psychologists found that a 10-minute walk may be just as good as a 45-
minute workout when it comes to relieving the symptoms of anxiety.
The act of walking is also a proven mood booster. One study found that
just 12 minutes of walking resulted in an increase in joviality, vigor,
attentiveness and self-confidence versus the same time spent
sitting. Walking in nature, specifically, was found to reduce ruminating
over negative experiences, which increases activity in the brain associated
with negative emotions and raises risk of depression.
Try to make walking a routine, such as trying to walk at the same time
each day. Remember, you are using the same amount of energy at any time
of the day, so do what is most convenient for you. Some suggestions to
build walking into your daily routine include:
Take the stairs instead of the elevator (at least part of the way)
Get off public transport one stop earlier and walk to work or home
Walk (don't drive) to the local stores
Take your dog (or your neighbour's dog) for a walk.

You can use a pedometer to measure your movement throughout the day
and compare it to other days or to recommended amounts. This may
motivate you to move more.
Walking for fun and fitness is not limited to walking alone and walking
through nearby streets. You can use a variety of clubs, places, and
strategies to make walking a pleasant and social part of your lifestyle.
What better time than now to get off the couch or step away from the
computer and go for a walk – do it for your health!