More Americans walking their way to better health

It looks like Americans are finally taking a step in the right direction – literally.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the number of adults who are taking up walking as a form of exercise increased significantly between 2005 and 2015.  The percentage of women who increased walking rose from 57 percent to 65 percent and among men, the percentage rose from 54 percent to 63 percent.

This is good news as the more physically active a person can be, the lower their risk for many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, stroke, and depression.  And with the fastest growing age segment of the population being individuals 65 years of age and older, it is more important than ever that American adults start engaging in healthier activities such as regular walking.

It has been known for a long time physical activity such as regular walking, has been associated with reduced belly fat along with improved management of weight, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.  The weight-bearing activity of walking also helps with strengthening bones and muscles, improves sleep and mood, reduces the risk of some cancers, and boosts creativity, brain power and immunity. 

The sign of more men and women taking up walking as a form of exercise is encouraging, yet more work still needs to be done.  Even though the message of getting up and moving more is resonating with the public, progress is slow.   There are still racial, ethnic and socioeconomic disparities existing between people who walk for physical activity and those who don’t.  The report found that blacks and Hispanics walk less than whites while those less educated and in lower income brackets also walked less than individuals more educated and in a higher income bracket.  The main reasons for the inequalities are due to the usual social factors of education, economics and environment.

Walking is one of the most convenient, inexpensive physical activities most anyone can do.  It can be done almost anywhere and can be a regular part of your day.  It is suggested that people should engage in moderate exercise for at least two and a half hours a week.  Walking can easily be weaved into one’s day in many forms – setting aside time on most days of the week to schedule in walking, joining a walking group, going hiking on a nature trail, take a historical walking tour or going to a museum. 

The main message is everyone should find some form of exercise they can do and to make it a regular part of their healthy lifestyle.