Walk a Million for Heart Disease
Still trying to lose that baby weight? Every magazine on the newsstand seems to tout a new way to ?walk off the weight.? But you know what? Combined with a healthy diet filled with lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains, walking really does work!
Walking is also the perfect exercise during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says that, ideally, pregnant women should aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity, which can include walking, six or seven days of the week. For more tips on walking during pregnancy, check out this article.
Regular, moderate walking will also reduce your risk of heart disease, which is the number one killer in the United States. Now, the American Heart Association gives everyone?new moms, pregnant women, dads, and children–a reason to start walking on April 16, which the organization has declared National Start Walking Day! The AHA hopes to raise one million dollars for heart disease and encourage Americans to, collectively, take one million steps beginning on April 16. You can log in to AHA Start with a Million site to see how your city is doing!
You can squeeze in a 30-minute walk during lunch, after work, or even in the morning. Walk around the mall, your office building, or enjoy the fresh air, put the baby in his stroller, and walk around your neighborhood. If you have older children, walk around the park while they play on the swings. When I worked in an office, I took a shortened lunch break and then made a 10-minute walk to Starbucks (and back) part of my daily routine in the late afternoon. Walking requires no special equipment, no training, and no great physical abilities.
Whether you?re already in shape or need some inspiration to jump start your fitness efforts, why not tie on your most comfy pair of sneakers, invite some friends out this Wednesday, and start walking?
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Science-mom says...
Yes!!! Walking is good for the heart and the mind. It`s good for you, for your kids, and for the environment (leave the car home!). Great post, Dawn.