Why We Should All Be Walking 30 Minutes Daily
By Sandy Schroeder
Making room for 30 minutes of exercise in your day could be the best thing you could do for yourself. Considering the time we spend sitting at work and loafing on the couch, 30 minutes is not very much to invest in health, and it turns out to be a fairly crucial investment.
New research outlines just how many things happen when we step out the door and start moving. Check with your doctor before you start new routines. Then look at this list from Forbes.com. indicating what happens next.
Brain tune-ups - Exercise triggers new brain cells. Researchers say aerobic exercise can generate new brain cell growth in the hippocampus, which is the brain’s center of learning and memory. It has been shown that depression and dementia can cause this area to shrink.
Serious disease fighter – The anti-inflammatory effects of exercise fight heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and neurodegenerative disease, according to Dr. Suzi Hong, UC San Diego School of Medicine. Her lab research with 20-minute moderate workouts showed a 5 percent reduction in inflammatory markers that sabotage the immune system.
Prevent or erase depression – Worldwide depression is one of the leading disabilities. Finding drug-free answers such as exercise can be a real breakthrough for someone who is struggling. Studies show inactive people are more vulnerable to depression that can be improved with exercise.
Lower heart attack and stroke risk – Studies show 30 minutes per day of moderate exercise can be a good starting point to lower blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol and boost the overall health of the heart.
Put the brakes on aging – We all have caps on the end of our chromosomes called telomeres, but people who are in better shape and live longer have more telomeres. The Center for Disease Control’s National Health and Nutrition survey found people who exercised regularly had telomeres that averaged nine more years than those who were inactive.
What This Means
Most of us may be more motivated to be out there every day when we consider all of the health benefits, but doctors caution us to gradually work up a solid routine and stick to it. Surges with too much exercise too quickly can be dangerous, and intermittent stints of walking may not quite do it.
Talk with your doctor about your health profile, and put together the best fitness routine for you. Then make it happen every day.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fayetteville, N.C.