Walking for Health
The simple cure for the biggest health problem in America
The latest research shows that sitting may be more harmful to your health than smoking. Luckily, getting up off the couch and going for a walk can put you well on your way to preventing everything from heart disease and diabetes to high blood pressure, depression, memory problems, and more.
Although you’ve likely been walking since you were about one year old, there are specific techniques that can help you avoid injuries, make walking more enjoyable, and increase the health benefits of walking.
Walking for Health reveals:
| • | Why short walks may be better for lowering blood pressure |
| • | How to ease the pain of “shin splints” |
| • | Why the best time to stretch is after your walk |
| • | The type of shoes that are more likely to make your knees ache |
| • | The simple way to avoid blisters |
| • | How “interval walking” can help you reap more health benefits in less time |
| • | The amount of walking needed to increase the part of your brain that’s critical for memory |
2 ways to prevent injuries when walking
Stand tall. Leaning forward or hunching over makes it more difficult to breathe and can cause backaches. To avoid this problem, extend your spine as if you were being lifted from the crown of your head. Place your thumbs on your lower ribs and your fingertips on your hips. As you stand tall, notice how the distance between your fingers increases.
Look up. Looking at your feet puts unnecessary stress on your upper back and neck. Bring your gaze out about 10 to 20 feet in front of you. You’ll still be able to see ahead and you’ll prevent upper-body tension.
For more ways to prevent injuries, see page 16 of Walking for Health.
