| The Jones Family Park and Greenway make a great place to walk, ride a bike, or just relax. The walkway is level, paved and easy to walk on in street shoes. Over a generation, the exercise habits in our country have changed drastically. In 1970, 66% of children walked to school. Today, only 13% walk. Today, few adults exercise enough to gain significant health benefits. Inactivity is now the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. Walking can help decrease the risk of heart attack, decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and can even reduce the risk of bone fracture. Additionally, brisk walking can reduce stress and depression levels as well as improve cancer survival rates. For weight loss, walking helps but isn’t the full solution. To burn off one plain M&M candy, a person would need to walk the entire length of a football field. Eat the whole bag and there might not be enough hours in the day the walk it off. Come Walk. It’s pet friendly. It’s fun. Let’s do it! |
Walk with the Doc Join me for a morning walk on Saturday, March 12th at the Jones Family Park in Southeast Huntsville. This walk will begin at the FleetFeet store located in the Valley Bend Shopping Center. This walk is sponsored by the Madison County Medical Society. Guest doctors will offer some motivating thoughts about the benefits of regular walks. 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. Studies show that a brisk walk can reduce chronic pain, reduce depression and help with over 100 other health issues. I look forward to having you join me for this New Year step toward better health. Nancy Neighbors, MD Huntsville, Alabama |