Walk For Improved Health, Independence and Fun!

Walking may be the single best — and easiest — exercise you can do to improve your health. Not only will going for a daily walk help you feel better now, it will help you maintain your independence and ability to do daily tasks as you age, according to a health professionals. Research also has shown that walking regularly can help protect the aging brain against memory loss, dementia, help cut the risk of heart disease, reduce the chance of developing type 2 diabetes in high-risk adults by a whopping 60 percent. And we're not talking marathon walking. The peak benefits come from 30 minutes of exercise several times a week, say experts. Most of us do need to move more: Only 30 percent of people ages 45 to 64 say they engage in regular leisure-time physical activity, and that drops to 25 percent for those 65 to 74, according to the National Institute on Aging. The public is invited to join “Pace Makers Walking Club” on Mondays and Wednesdays starting May 9th at 9:00am for 12 weeks. Starting locations and destinations will vary. Equipment and investment are minimal – bring your comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle! The cost to participate is free. Walking club coordinator, Sherry Livergood says, “A brisk half hour walk two or more days a week can reduce the development of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, arthritis and some cancers. And, she says you can make some new friends and have fun while doing something good for yourself.” Since walking is also considered an “entry level” form of exercise, people who develop daily waling routines are likely to eventually practice yoga, go biking, or join in other athletic pursuits. So, as the weather warms up, put on your walking shoes and join the walking club! For more information, please contact Sherry Livergood at 433-1886 extension 109 or via email at sherry.livergood@daleassociation.com.