Dr. Vivek Murthy, the United States’ surgeon general since
2014, recently released a “Step It Up” call to action that highlights the
health benefits of walking and will attempt to tackle “lack of access to
sidewalks and safe spaces for physical activity.”[1]
Rather than focusing on gym classes or memberships for U.S.
citizens, Murthy’s program is actually realistic for almost everybody, as it
doesn’t cost a thing to go for a walk! And since 22 minutes of physical
activity per day (including walking) can reduce your risk of heart disease and
diabetes, why not try to incorporate more walking into your daily life?[2]
It is quite sad that “Three in 10 Americans don’t have
access to sidewalks in their neighborhoods and too many of our neighbors have
to deal with safety issues related to crime or pedestrian accidents. We know
that almost 5,000 people die in pedestrian accidents each year and another
66,000 pedestrians are injured. That’s why this call to action is both about
walking but also about walkable communities.”[3]
These “walkable communities” are meant to be inclusive of
people with disabilities as well. For instance, even in neighborhoods with
sidewalks, many don’t have a cut so that people in wheelchairs can get on and
off sidewalks easily. Another example is walk signals that don’t have an
audible element for people with visual impairments to cross intersections
safely. Everyone should be able to be
active in his or her community without safety concerns.
You may be wondering how to walk more in your neighborhood
in rainy, cold weather or in the later months of the year when temperatures
reach their highest. This is why Dr. Murthy believes that all sectors of a
community need to participate in making our culture more walk-friendly. Local
organizations like the YMCA or local schools can make their indoor facilities
available for community members to exercise in a comfortable environment.
Malls, as well, “can be great places for people to walk, especially the elderly
and people with disabilities who may need to be in a climate-controlled
setting.”[4]
Walking—especially in addition to proper diet and emotional
wellbeing—is a simple, cost-effective way to become more active on a daily
basis. The health benefits are many, and it is important to remember that every
step you take during the day adds up!
Working to restore
GOD’s perfect design in you!
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