Come Walk with the Doc Saturday March 26th at 10:00 am Are you ready to start walking but just can’t seem to get started? Not to worry, I’m ready to lead the way. For most, walking is the easiest, most enjoyable, and most beneficial exercise. All you need is a good pair of shoes, comfortable clothing, and the desire for a healthier life. If getting started has been a problem, then let my walking group be your inspiration. My next walk will be around the lakes at Jones Family Park. Everyone walks at the speed that best suits their needs. Because we walk in a circle, you will never be behind. Walk slow enough and soon you will be in front. Plan to join me in a fun Saturday activity that’s a step toward better health. If you are just getting started, start slow and easy. As a start, walk around your neighborhood for 10 minutes. If you feel ok, repeat the walk for a week. For the following week, try adding five minutes to your walk. Then, keep adding 5 minutes until you are walking long enough to get in 10,000 steps. If you're new to walking, don’t worry about speed. After you have been walking for several weeks you can start picking up your pace. Of course, this is general advice and if you have a health concerns let’s talk about that. The toughest part is developing the habit of daily walks. Having an encouraging friend to walk with helps. For some, listening to music or audio books makes their walk a special pleasure. For many of us, walking the family dog can form a nice routine that’s not only good for our health but also what our dogs need for a long health life. By the way, the local public library has an amazing collection of audio books on a wide range of subjects. To make your walk an adventure through history consider one of David McCullough’s books about the history of our country (“John Adams”, “Truman”, “1776”, etc.) David McCullough’s audio books are usually available through the public library along with hundreds of other interesting titles that span American history, world history, science, philosophy, technology, health, poetry, biographies, self-help and fiction. Share your successes with me. Take pride in your next step forward whether it be just getting started or a more challenging regimen. You can be sure I will be glad to hear about it! As a doctor, one of my missions is encouraging healthy physical activity to help reverse the consequences of sedentary living. 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. Nancy Neighbors, MD Huntsville, Alabama |