What reduces the risk of breast and colon cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and depression; improves your immune function and brain performance, makes you feel better, look better and live longer, and is free? WALKING
And it doesn’t have bad side effects, interact with medications, or hurt (if you wear decent shoes).
Study after study results in the same conclusion, walk several times a week and you will be healthier and happier. That’s the bottom line.
So why do people NOT walk? No time, too cold out, knee hurts, the excuses are endless. My suggestion? Decide now , this very moment, that you are going to walk three times a week for at least 30 minutes. Find a friend, or a dog, who is willing to walk with you. Set goals: today to the end of your driveway, tomorrow to the end of the road. Start slowly, your body will get used to walking longer and longer distances.
If you think you’re too old to start walking, AARP has suggestions on their website to inspire you. Get a step-counter and attach it to your waistband when you get dressed each morning, and aim for 10,000 steps per day. If you don’t like the cold, walk in a gym. Here are a few ideas:
- The Westminster Center School gym is open for walkers weekday mornings from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
- Putney Central School opens to walkers each Tuesday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
But remember walking outdoors improves cognitive function. If you believe you don’t have time, think very carefully about something you do that takes 30 minutes three times a week that you can replace with walking. If you have health issues, make an appointment with your doctor and tell her you want to walk for health and need help with your physical problems so you are able to walk.
Get motivated.
Walking is the simplest and most accessible thing you can do for your health and well-being, and it is highly unlikely that new research will come out that says, ‘oops, never mind, we found out it’s unhealthy to walk’.
Judi Petry, MD, Westminster Resident
This article is directed toward the adults who have parents or loved ones in their life who have shown signs of giving up on the future.
There is a fine line between wanting to help someone stay active and positive and allowing them to be comfortable with their position in life. It’s not unusual to hear someone complain because their elderly parents have become uninterested in life. “All they want to do is sit around and watch TV” “They never want to go anywhere” “They won’t leave the house.” “What’s the matter with them?” To the active adults in the family this seems to be intolerable. And the nagging can’t be much fun for the elders. Obviously it is very unhealthy to be idle and to be disconnected socially. Depression sets in. Physical health is impaired. So we try to encourage activity. We try to encourage socializing within or outside the family. And we do it with the best intentions. However, is this in the best interest of “Mom and Dad”? Every family is different. Every situation requires thoughtful consideration. In some cases magic can be performed and the parents can become happier and healthier with the smallest amount of encouragement. In other cases we could be adding to the pain of growing old that many are experiencing. So what is the answer? There isn’t a one size fits all conclusion. But here is a suggestion. Have you noticed how much more improved parenting has become over the years? Today’s parents are masters at disciplining their children while at the same time, considering the child’s self esteem. Try it on the elderly. Give them your best advice. Share with them all you know. Gently remind them how important they are and how valuable their lives are, not only to themselves, but to others. But be careful not to take away any more of their self esteem than the aging process has. Remember, many of their friends are gone, much of their energy has diminished, and the horizon is getting closer and closer. Encourage positive living while maintaining understanding and dignity.
Pete Harrison has been a resident of Westminster
for approx. 40 years. Pete is President of the
Westminster Cares Board and an active
community member.
