This is a guest post by David Sabgir, M.D. with Walk with a Doc, lead organization for April’s Monthly Theme “Walk for Your Health.” David is a board certified cardiologist, who is proud to practice with Mount Carmel Clinical Cardiovascular Specialists at Mount Carmel St. Ann’s in Westerville. Dr. Sabgir is the founder and leader of Walk with a Doc—a free, unique, physician-led program that incorporates seven major components of good health.
What if you had a treasure map that led to the mother lode, but no one cared to look at it? Similarly, what if you knew the key to preventing the number-one killer in the U.S. and no one was listening? And what if that key was as free and simple as going for a walk? How great would that be?
Well, according to a significant amount of research, the key to preventing heart disease is, in fact, simply going for a walk.
How does going for a walk benefit your health? It addresses a lot of risk factors, including:
- Improves good cholesterol (HDL)
- Lowers blood pressure (it is recommended to shoot for a top number (systolic) of 120 mm Hg or lower)
- Aids in weight management
- Reduces HbA1c (measure for diabetic control)
- Reduces inflammation
- Reduces mental stress
- Reduces the incidence of depression
Combined, these reduced risk factors also lower one’s risk of heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease and dying from all causes. You’d think that would be enough to convince everyone to put on walking shoes and get moving, but that hasn’t been the case. (MORE)
Source: Everybody Walk
No comments:
Post a Comment