Thursday, September 13, 2012

Benefits of Walking

Since this is what I do best, I really enjoyed this article:

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/easiest-way-live-longer

Summary:

  • Walking more than an hour a day improves life expectancy.
  • Thirty minutes of walking a day can prevent diabetes.
  • Walking 72 blocks a week (6-9 miles) increases grey matter and can improve memory, concentration and ward off diseases like Alzheimers.
  • Thirty minutes 3-5 times a week lowers blood pressure.
  • One mile a day improves bone density in women over 50.
  • Walking 12.5 miles a week reduced risk of stroke.
  • Thirty minutes on the treadmill reduced depression and tension, lifting moods quicker than anti-depressants.
  • Twenty minutes of walking per day burns 7 lbs a year.
  • Forty-five minute walk in the morning five days a week reduces insomnia.
  • Three or more hours of brisk walking per week reduced heart disease in women 30-40 percent..