Step It Off for Better Health
By Tom Herrin
Rather than making the effort to try to find some ways to save steps on everything people do, it may be better to find ways to add a few. While this may seem quite opposite of what most of society has been doing for the past few years -- to make it easier on themselves -- it may help to turn progress in the right direction. Saving steps may be a great thing on occasion when time is critical, but it can also create more critical issues involving health and well-being. Those who try to cut out activity may only be dooming themselves to health problems that may be easily avoidable.
Don't Become a Leroy
While there is nothing wrong with the name Leroy, it is used here as an example of a hypothetical person representing many others out there. In this case, Leroy worked all of his life. Worked hard, did a great job supporting his family. Then Leroy retired and decided never to do anything again he wasn't required to do. This sudden change from active to inactive tends to result in new problems. There is some information that indicates that fewer than 20 percent of individuals 65 and older get the recommended amount of exercise. It actually isn't that difficult to do because it amounts to less than three hours per week.
Moderation Is Good
Even though there are many instances in which people go hard and heavy in order to make real changes in their activity, it is not necessary at all. The big thing is to start. According to information from the American Cancer Society, anytime someone goes from doing nothing to doing something, they are likely to see benefits in their health and a considerable reduction in their risk of premature death. People may see good results from walking only a few minutes a day.
Add a Few Steps at a Time
It can be easier than many of us may feel to start that new program. The key is to find some ways to do a little more each time. I try to make a few extra steps to do the simple things I do. This may be things such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or passing up the closest parking space in favor of one that is a bit farther from the door to wherever I am going. Even things such as bringing in groceries from the car may be done by carrying one sack at a time instead of trying to carry as many as possible in one or two trips. Try being a little creative and see just what you can do to increase your minutes of walking each day. You will only be healthier for the effort.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Salt Lake City, Utah.