An increasing number of Americans are traveling toward good health the simple way: They're walking. A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than six in 10 U.S. adults walked for transportation or leisure.
You Walk, You Win
The people who hoofed it were almost three times more likely to get the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. In return, they receive such benefits as:
• A trimmer waistline
• Lower cholesterol and blood sugar
• Better mood and lower risk for depression
• A reduced risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke and some cancers
Exercise is also a promising strategy for keeping your mind sharp and preventing dementia.
You don't have to hit the gym to earn these perks. Even light physical activity like easy walking improves health and well-being among older adults, according to a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, May 2013
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