We've heard it all before, if you just walk more each day, you will help your heart stay healthy. But the question is, do we actually follow it? I know how hard it is to take that time away from our busy schedule but we just have to do it for ourselves. Moms are so busy taking care of their families that they forget to take care of themselves. We are always thinking of our kids and husbands that we put ourselves last. We should start thinking of taking care of our body if we want to stay healthy. It will be good for our body and gives us time to relax. It is also important to remember to take extra pre-cautions if you are out an about everyday. Always put on some sunblock or sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful UVB and UVA rays.

Benefits of walking
Walking for fitness can help you achieve a number of important health benefits. For example, you can:

Reduce your risk of a heart attack. Walking keeps your heart healthy by lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) and raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol). A regular walking program also reduces your risk of developing high blood pressure, a factor that also contributes to heart disease.

Manage your blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, walking may reduce it.
Reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you're a woman, overweight and at a high risk of diabetes, walking can improve your body's ability to process sugar (glucose tolerance).

Manage your diabetes. If you already have type 2 diabetes, taking part in a regular walking program can improve your body's ability to process sugar, lower your blood sugar, reduce your risk of heart disease and help you live longer.

Manage your weight. Walking burns calories, which can help you manage your weight. For example, middle-aged women who walk more than 10,000 steps a day have lower levels of body fat than do women who are less active.

Manage stress and boost your spirits. Going for a brisk walk is a great way to reduce stress. Regular walking also can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
Stay strong and active. As you get older, walking for physical fitness can prevent falls, help you stay mobile and maintain your independence.
Source: Mayo Clinic


So after reading all these, I hope it encourages all of us to start moving and get healthy. :o)

4 comments

  1. Sam // 9/13/2008  

    Great info!!!

    Mommies you need to love yourself first.

    "You cannot give what you don't have"

    Let's start walking with the right breathing...

  2. Tiffany Aller // 9/13/2008  

    Walking is also good for pregnancy - helps to keep you active and fit to go through labor. And in later pregnancy, they recommend long and vigorous walks to help baby begin to make her way down and into place!

  3. Lanie // 9/13/2008  

    this is what I need to do to keep us healthy mareng barb. Monica and I planning on walking after we drop our kids n school we walk for 45 minutes walk.

  4. maria // 9/14/2008  

    walking indeed is very beneficial. very good info. thanks for sharing.

    i have something for you..

    http://writingsofmaria.com/?p=81

    cheers

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