Indy Boomer 2014.pdf May 2014 | Page 20

FAMilY & RElATioNShiPS Ladies and Gentlemen… Start Your Feet… WAlk! If you could do one thing that would improve your overall physical and mental health, increase your energy, had almost no side effects and was free would you do it? Unfortunately for most of us the answer has been no. • Walking improves focus and brain functioning It’s May in Indianapolis - time not just to start those engines but time to start our feet. Walking on a regular basis is possibly the simplest, cheapest and easiest thing we can do to improve our health and the quality of our lives. Walking as little as 15 to 30 minutes 5 times a week has major benefits. The question becomes, do you value yourself enough to take care of you? • A 30-minute brisk walk can improve our mood for up to 12 hours Walking has positive effects on our physical health, reducing or eliminating the effects of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. According to Chris Crowley, author of the popular book series Younger Next Year, 70% of diseases could be eliminated or controlled if we just took better care of ourselves. Yet, what I’m most intrigued by are the positive effects that walking has on how we feel. Walking is Good Medicine • Walking decreases anxiety, depression and stress • Walking increases self-confidence and helps us to feel better about ourselves • Walking is an excellent way to shift out of a negative mood • Walking increases the quality of sleep and helps improve memory • Walking each day reduces ch