Page 38 - Prevention - USA (April 2020)
P. 38
W E L LN E S S
SCIENCE-BACKED Walking this long
REASONS TO WALK most days of the week
30-60
Michelle and Betty are drastically lowers your
on to something with their
risk of heart disease.
commitment to walking at MINUTES
every stage of life—here’s the
research that proves them right:
WALKING IS AN ENERGY
1BOOSTER. One study found I’M WALKING INTO
that adults who walked for
30 minutes five times a week MY GOLDEN YEARS
had more energy to get through
the day, felt healthier, and were —Michelle R., Burbank, CA
more confident than people
“My good friend Betty is 87 years young.
who walked less frequently.
Why do I say that? Because while others her
IT CURBS SUGAR age are shuffling about in walkers or using
2 CRAVINGS. If you have scooters, Betty is booking it across the streets,
a sweet tooth, lace up your trails, and beaches of sunny San Diego. I’m
sneakers. Research suggests that only 49, but her fast gait is my inspiration. I
walking can curb cravings for once asked her how she was still so agile at
sugary snacks, likely due to the an age when many people weren’t. She said
endorphins (feel-good chemi- the secret to staying
cals) physical activity releases.
spry is to always remain
YOU’LL SLEEP BETTER. active, even when your body
3 One study found that people
who took a.m. walks fell asleep wants to slow down.
faster and slept more soundly. That stuck with me, so now I walk to ensure
that I too will thrive in my golden years, as
IT CAN KEEP YOU
fully and joyfully as Betty does.”
4FROM GETTING A COLD.
Among 1,002 study participants,
just 20 minutes (or more) of
aerobic exercise at least five
days a week resulted in 43% “I love walking in the woods and
fewer days spent sick than for looking at the trees. It makes me
feel so calm. Another good thing
those who exercised only
about walking is that you don’t
once a week or less. And
have to buy any equipment—just
the walkers who did get ill a good pair of walking shoes.”
were sick for less time and —Ellen Habart,
had milder symptoms. West Newton, MA
