23 ½ hours was a very insightful video. It is amazing to think of all the health benefits that can be accomplished with an act as simple as walking. There is no need to join an expensive gym or go out and buy a high price home fitness center. All that is needed is to get up for sitting or sleeping and walk. It seems to me that walking is something that most of us take for granted. We live in a world that does not encourage walking. Everything is built around convenience. Drive thru windows at fast food restaurants, banks, and post offices. Corporate America has also become the land of sitters. With a large portion of the job market working in white collar jobs, physical activity is very minimal. Technologies like computers and cell phones has made it possible for people to conduct business, pay bills, and socialize all without leaving their seat.
In the video Dr. Mike Evans gave examples of how 30 to 60 minutes of walking each day had several health benefits and improved the over all life experience. With one hour of walking three time per week people with knee arthritis experience 47% less pain and/or disabilities. That is amazing to think that walking for 3 hours a week could reduce the amount of discomfort that a person experiences. Depression decreased by 47% in people that walked for longer periods of time weekly. Dr. Evans calls walking a medicine. I think that is a perfect definition for walking when used in this term. One thing that is interesting to me is the fact that the medical field is so based on money. How many commercial do we all see on a daily bases that talk about the benefits of prescription drugs? These commercials talk about how the drug can relieve the user form what health issues that they have. At the end of these commercial they speed through a list of negative side effects that are sometimes more hazardous then the original health concern. Now let me ask you this, how many commercials have you seen encouraging you to get up and go for a walk. Why aren’t hospitals and health care providers pushing the word about the positives of walking. The bonus of walking is that there are not negative physical side affects. You may have to wash clothes more often or spend more money to purchase proper shoes, but the results are outstanding.
I’m going to take the challenge of getting my daughters more active each day. They already go will beyond the 1 hour a day recommendation and I go to the gym on a consistent bases, but this will be something that we can do together. Starting a routine now will hopefully help them in future years to be sure to incorporate walking into their daily life even if not required/provided during school/work.
I was also surprised that walking was so beneficial. With all of the statistics that Dr. Mike was rattling off, I was expecting a much deeper "intervention" than walking. It seems as though there are countless ways to get the minimal amount of exercise necessary. This could come in the form of an act as simple as getting off the light rail a stop or two before one's destination.
ReplyDeleteIve heard of the wonders that just walking can do and its a shame that more people dont do it more often. I applaud you for getting your daughters more active! youth in action!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that if we were a bit more active and walked to places instead of taking the car everywhere, we wouldn't be in the crisis that we are in today.
ReplyDeleteI wrote about crime so I think it is interesting to rea your post on the healthcare subject. Your post was very interesting though and made me think lot about how maybe it isn't all about the newest drugs to be able to save everyone. Maybe everybody should just try other things first. And I totally agree that the healthcare industry is slacking on promoting these alternative and healthier solutions as valid options for improving the health of individuals. Also- health insurance should cover ANY type of healing. Seems kind of crazy they would support harmful drugs over a naturopathic approach.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post, its very true, and I can relate to your statements in many ways. I agree with the commercial part. There is no commercials promoting "healthy living", talking walks, etc. "Starting a routine now will hopefully help them in future years to be sure to incorporate walking into their daily life even if not required/provided during school/work." I really like that, I think thats a very good start! Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteParents getting children active is a huge part, and can help the fight of child obisity. I also applaud you for this great thing your doing for your daughter, even if she doesnt know it yet. Now if everyone else would just do the same.
ReplyDeleteI too was very intrigued by the 23 1/2 hours video. I think that it makes a lot of sense that just a little bit more walking can go a long way to a healthier lifestyle and being in better shape. I also like how you mentioned white collar employees/employers too, and how most of our days are spent sitting at a desk or phone because of today's technology capabilities. I think that employers need to take action and get their employees more active. I know that personally, when I have a workout routine I am more energized, in a better mood, and am ultimately more productive. If employers would incorporate short periods of exercise into the work day, I would almost guarantee they would see increases in output. Much like how walking only 30 min a day can reduce so many health problems.
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