 By Angela Poppe RN, BSN
The bulbs are starting to bloom, the trees are starting to bud and the birds singing, singing, singing! It is time to get ourselves out of our homes, shake off the winter gloom and enjoy spring! What better way than to go for a walk. In fact there are over 40 scriptures referencing walking in the Bible either metaphorically or literally. One of my favorites of these is Jeremiah 6:16 "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." (NIV)
Even modern day research has suggested that walking has great benefits such as.....
- Improved Mood
- Helps with many body functions
- Helps in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease
- Gives you sun exposure and Vitamin D-linked to many health benefits
In addition it is:
- An activity that can be done with friends or family
- A time to meditate on God and pray
- Inexpensive-you just need a clean pair of socks, good walking shoes and perhaps some walking sticks for more calorie burn and steadiness.
- Great for overall health!
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The best surface to walk (for joints) on is a dirt path, or trail. To that effect, the Kensington Metro Park paths and trails are accessible all year. This first-class recreational area also features an 18-hole regulation golf course, 27-hole disc course, nature center, farm center, beautiful picnic areas and scenic hiking and biking trails for hours of enjoyment. At only $24/vehicle per year ($15 for seniors 62 and older), or $5 daily. For more information about the park, visit www.metroparks.com.
If you can't walk outdoors for some reason, I would recommend the Leslie Sansone "Walk Away the Pounds" DVDs. They are meant to be done in the comfort of your own home, in your living room and use simple to follow walking steps set to music. She has an inspirational version as well.
A great website with plenty of additional information that I found is www.thewalkingsite.com. It is chocked full of great information about walking related products, music, links to other sites, recommended readings on walking, etc.
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The American Volksport Association (www.ava.org) has links to walking clubs and events they hold throughout the year. A friend of mine participates in the Ann Arbor club and walks both locally and throughout the world through this association. It's a great way to vacation, build friendships and do something healthy for yourself. You may want to look into it before planning your vacation for the year or you may want to start a walking club right here in Livingston county.
The Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority is offering an outdoor walking program May through June. For more information call (517) 546-0693. In addition, The Howell Bennett Senior Center on West Grand River in Howell offers an indoor walking program for those 50 and older.
So, as we celebrate the arrival of spring, take care and have a good walk!
April 10, 2010
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