If a daily fitness walk could be put in a pill, it would be one of the most popular prescriptions in the world. It has so many health benefits. Walking can reduce the risk of many diseases — from heart attack and stroke to hip fracture and glaucoma. These may sound like claims on a bottle of snake oil, but they’re backed by major research. Walking requires no prescription, the risk of side effects is very low, and the benefits are numerous:
* Easy to do
*Healthy
* Managing your weight.
*Controlling your blood pressure.
*Decreasing your risk of heart attack.
*Boosting “good” cholesterol
*Lowering your risk of stroke.
*Reducing your risk of breast cancer and type 2 diabetes.
*Avoiding your need for gallstone surgery.
*Protecting against hip fracture.
The list goes on and on. Many other studies indicate a daily brisk walk also can help:
Prevent depression, colon cancer, constipation, osteoporosis, and impotence
Lengthen lifespan, Lower stress levels, Relieve arthritis and back pain
Strengthen muscles, bones, and joints
Improve sleep, Elevate overall mood and sense of well-being.