Walking - So Simple - Yet So Beneficial!
The Facts Aren’t Good: Hispanic women are more likely to be over weight than non-Hispanic white women.
The Facts Aren’t Good:
- Hispanic women are more likely to be over weight than non-Hispanic white women.
- Hispanics have a 64% higher incidence of diabetes than non-Hispanic white Americans -1 in 10 Hispanics have it and 1 in 4 over the age of 50 have it.
- Hispanics have higher incidents of high blood pressure -almost 1 in 4 Hispanic adults.
- Diabetes and high blood pressure are the number one and number two causes of kidney failure -1 in 8 kidney failure patients in the US are Hispanic -that’s about 60,000 Hispanics.
- There is evidence that Hispanics are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s since there is growing evidence that diabetes may be a risk factor of developing Alzheimer’s.
- Hispanic adults are more likely to suffer from mental health issues; feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness than non-Hispanic whites.
These conditions are complex and no one thing guarantees a cure, however, if a daily fitness walk could be put in a pill, it would be one of the most popular prescriptions in the world. We all know that this form of exercise can help shed unwanted pounds, but did you also know that walking regularly can help prevent or manage many other conditions? The simple act of walking regularly can greatly reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, depression as well as heart attack, stroke, breast cancer, sleep apnea, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis.
Walking is good for everyone and at any fitness level. In addition, walking gives you time to yourself, to think, to meditate or pray, time to explore a new place, or time with friends or children.
The simple act of walking regularly has the following health benefits:
- Prevents or manages type 2 diabetes by improving your body's ability to process sugar.
- Reduces your risk of heart attack by lowering bad cholesterol and keeping blood pressure in check.
- Burns calories, which combined with healthy eating, is the key to long-lasting weight control.
- Reduces stress and anxiety and helps prevent depression by elevating your mood and sense of well being.
- Reduces risk of breast cancer and colon cancer.
- Keeps your body strong and active, strengthens muscles, bones, and joints. Relieves arthritis and back pain.
- Can also help prevent constipation and impotence.
It's clear that walking has tremendous benefits for everyone, no matter what age you are. And one of the best parts about walking is that it's easy to do wherever you are at work on your lunch hour, at home just put the kids in the stroller, or on vacation; you can fit walking into any lifestyle.
Walking requires no prescription and any amount is good, but for best results walk for 30 minutes at a brisk pace at least 5 times per week. However, check with your doctor on the level of exercise that is best for you. Set a realistic pace; if you are breathing too lightly, increase your pace. If you can’t catch your breath, slow it down. Mix up your walks by pace and level of incline to help build your fitness level and challenge yourself.
Remember to periodically change your route so you stay interested and motivated. Instead of just watching television after work, take half an hour to walk around the block.
Additional information:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Family Health
http://www.hhs.gov/children/index.html
United States Department of Agriculture
http://www.choosemyplate.gov
Mayo Clinic, information about walking
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/walking/HQ01612
Walking Information
http://www.walkinginfo.org/why/benefits.cfm
Developmental Disability Information
Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/
National Down Syndrome Society
http://www.ndss.org/
Autism Speaks
http://www.autismspeaks.org/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov/autism/
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