Come Walk with the Doc Saturday March 5th at 10:00 am Plan to join me for another Saturday walk. Most of us need more exercise and walking remains my favorite. Brisk walking helps reduce body fat, lower blood pressure, and increase high-density lipoprotein. Did you know that in the United States we walk (on average) the least of any industrialized nation? The average Australian takes about 9,700 steps per day. The average American takes just 5,117 steps per day. Even a short walk has benefits. We aren’t talking about setting world records on Saturday. However, if setting a new record is on your mind, be advised you need to beat Jean Beliveau’s 46,600 miles, 64 country walk around the world. For now, let’s just try to beat the average Australian. The recommended 10,000 steps a day would do it. Nancy Neighbors, MD Huntsville, Alabama ******************** Looking for an all weather place to walk? The Mall Walk at Park Place might be just what you need. This group is for anyone wanting to get moving and healthy! With weather being cold, come meet up and walk indoors! Make new friends and encourage each other to exercise! Learn more at their MeetUp web site (http://www.meetup. com/Huntsville-Exercise-Meetup/). Ok, there is more to life than walking. For additional activities, click on the Events and Book Club links at the Huntsville Madison County Public Library (http://hmcpl.org/) web site. If you are a person that loves talking about a good book as much as you do reading then one of these groups may be for you. There are meetings at several branches with each group focusing on a different type of book. At last Saturday morning’s walk I was reminded about the wonderful learning opportunities offered through the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. As I was reminded, they offer a rich and evolving array of courses, lectures, and special activities. Make discoveries that can enrich your life and meet many a life-loving friend. The possibilities may surprise you. Courses are offered in the areas of history, science, finance, foreign languages, music, literature, computers, crafts, hobbies, fitness, leisure, and many more! Studies show that a brisk walk helps lower your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and the effects of over 100 other health issues. What better way to begin improving your general health. Best of all, while you walk you can meet with friends, make new friends, and make your doctor proud. There is a reason why walking is often called the one best thing we can do for our health. My walking program is about you, your health, and the opportunity to improve the health of our community. |