Physical Therapy Today: National Walk @ Lunch Day®

Walking is one of the simplest, safest and most effective forms of exercise, but it can be hard to find time in our busy schedules to participate in physical activity. On Wednesday, April 30th, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are sponsoring the 7th annual National Walk @ Lunch Day® to encourage busy people to walk during their lunch break.

National Walk @ Lunch Day® is designed to complement, not compete with a busy lifestyle. It was created to improve personal health and decrease the cost of healthcare. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates the cost to treat health problems caused by physical inactivity is nearly $1000.00 for every family in the USA every year. Simply getting 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, suck as a brisk walk, at least 5 times per week, can have significant health benefits.

Regular brisk walking can help you:

- Maintain a healthy weight

- Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes

- Strengthen your bones thus reducing risk of osteoporosis

- Lift your mood

- Improve your balance and coordination which helps prevent falls

Walking only 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week can also;

- Boost Endorphins easing stress, tension, anger, fatigue, and confusion.

- Limit Sickness by decreasing your odds of catching a cold.

- Cut Alzheimer’s Disease risk by 50% over 5 years.

- Improve Blood Pressure by five points.

- Limit Colon Cancer by 31% for women.

- Burn More Fat than jogging.

Get the most out of your walk by:

1) Investing in a good walking shoe. A good fit can be defined as snug everywhere, tight nowhere and with enough room to wiggle your toes.

2) Always stretch, warm up, and cool down for five minutes each.

3) Use a pedometer to track your workout and aim for 10,000 steps a day.

4) Choose a fun and safe place to walk.

5) Consider walking in groups or with a friend or family member.

National Walk @ Lunch Day® can be the start of your new daily walking routine, helping you improve your health one step at a time. So get up on your feet for a walk at lunch on Wednesday, April 30th. SRWC and the City of Sidney would like everyone to join them at the Sidney Legion Park from 11:00 am –1:00 pm on April 30th to walk to a better you. Registration is FREE and each participant will be entered into a drawing for prizes. Please call SRWC for more information.

Casey Cortney, MPT is a licensed physical therapist and owner of Sidney Rehabilitation & Wellness Clinic. Casey can be reached at 308-254-4979 or by visiting the website at http://www.sidneyrehab.com.