Walking; a simple step towards personal and planetary well-being.
This fall will mark the end to what experts are telling us has been the warmest summer on record. As we reflect on the heat and chaotic weather that marked this time, our thoughts may wonder what an appropriate response could be to our changing climate and the accompanying angst that it may bring. One small step could be to introduce more walking into your daily routines.
Walking has long been recommended as a safe, inexpensive and convenient means to better emotional and physical health. Good evidence now exists to suggest that walking helps to manage stress, maintain cognitive function, improve mood, facilitate sleep and increase creativity. It has also been shown to be of benefit to gastrointestinal and immune function. Walking for exercise has shown to be beneficial in improving cardiovascular health. Walking regularly may decrease some of the harmful outcomes associated with diabetes, osteoporosis and some forms of arthritis. Walking with others can build social connections as well as connections to the community.
While popular culture often puts forth 10,000 steps as a daily goal, recent studies suggest that for many people more modest targets are beneficial. Beginning where you are and adding even short walks several times a day can be helpful. Incorporating walking into your daily routines, for example while completing errands or meeting with friends, helps to create habits that are more likely to be continued. September can often be a time of new beginnings, so perhaps this school year consider the benefits of introducing more steps into your daily routines … for you, for Perth and for the planet.
Alison Kelford MD
The content of this post is for information and educational purposes only. You should always check with a health care professional before adopting a new exercise program including walking.
