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Walk
To Health
by Dr. Ellen Kamhi
Hippocrates, the Father of Modern Medicine, called walking
"man's best medicine." Modern research shows that taking a
30 minute brisk walk five days a week has many measurable
health benefits. Walking increases the oxygen supply to the
brain. Also, there is an increase in the release of natural
mood elevating brain chemicals, called endorphins. The risk
of strokes is decreased by keeping blood free-flowing and
the arteries elastic.
Although running and jogging may cause lower back pain and
injury, walking actually puts less stress on the lower vertebrae
than sitting. It strengthens and tones the muscles that make
the spine more stable. It also strengthens muscles and tendons
in the feet. Bones respond to weight bearing exercise by increasing
Calcium uptake and becoming thicker, stronger, and more resistant
to osteoporosis. If you walk outside and get some sunshine,
you'll also be helping your body to produce Vitamin D, an
important nutrient for bones. Walking benefits the heart by
lowering the resting pulse, reducing blood pressure and decreasing
levels of blood fats.
Although walking may not make you huff and puff, it still
has advantages for your lungs. A regular walking program increases
the ability of the cardio-respiratory system to utilize oxygen.
This is called VO2 max. It helps to reduce symptoms of chronic
bronchitis and emphysema, and helps to reduce the desire to
smoke cigarettes.
For you weight watchers, its great to know that walking burns
almost as many calories as jogging. It steps up the body's
metabolism so that more calories are burned even at rest.
A brisk walk actually curbs the appetite and can reduce up
to 10% of the number of calories that are absorbed from a
meal. This boosts self confidence. So, if you're ready to
join in on a march toward health, reach for the walking shoes
in your NATURAL MEDICINE CHEST.
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