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Walking is the best way to start a new fitness program this spring
because almost everyone can do it, it's free, and it's easy.
Evidence about health benefits from walking is stacking up.
MyPyramid, the
interactive food guidance system, stresses the importance of daily
physical activity such as walking. The system, which incorporates
recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, has the
central message of "Steps to a Healthier You." For health benefits,
physical activity should be moderate or vigorous and add up to at
least 30 minutes a day.
A recent U.S. Department of Agriculture study found that women
who walk at least a mile a day reduce their chance of losing bone
density as they age. Health experts tout physical fitness in general
as having many benefits, including an association with a decreased
risk of breast cancer, improved cardiovascular health, and lowered
resting pulse rate and blood pressure. Exercise also helps to
increase muscle tone, improves sleep habits, regulates appetite and
reduces feelings of stress and anxiety.
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Area residents are invited to participate in local Walk Day
events by walking Monday at Scully Park in downtown Lincoln, either
over the lunch hour between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. or at the end of
the day between 4:30 and 6 p.m.
The first 50 participants in each time frame will receive free
bottled water provided by Culligan. The first 20 participants will
also receive a free sun visor. Participants may also register to win
gift certificates from area restaurants.
Walk Day is an annual event in May sponsored by University of
Illinois Extension.
For further information, please contact Patty Huffer at the Logan
County Extension office at 732-8289.
[Text from news release received from Patty Huffer,
Logan County
Extension Unit]
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