Walk the Walk

Towards Better Health

There are few things in life that cost nothing but bring unlimited rewards. Walking is clearly one of them. We talk about getting healthier yet often forget to take that first step. Once we wander amid the sunshine and fragrant sage, we wonder why we don’t get out more often. Even a chilly fall or winter day can feel delightful as cool breezes enliven body and soul.

In our goal-oriented society, a little incentive goes a long way. Walk towards a destination, be it a store, park, or lunch with friends. Take your dog for a hike. Or simply explore your community, chatting with neighbors and seeing what colorful flowers have popped up or which homes are for sale.

In Calabasas and the surrounding areas, there are nearly 285 days of glorious sunshine each year. So, put on your walking shoes and get going. You’ll enjoy myriad benefits, from better sleep to stronger bones and leaner muscles. Walking promotes blood flow to the brain to help ward off cognitive loss and dementia. It lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, lessening your risk of heart disease. Plus, it puts a spring in your step and smile on your face as it releases “feel good” endorphins.

If you’re trying to lose weight (and who isn’t?), reduce your chances of diabetes, or simply get healthier, walking for a brisk 30 minutes each day helps lower blood-sugar levels for as long as 24 hours. If you get bored, phone a friend. You can even walk for a special charity or download an app, like Charity Miles (charitymiles.org), where you turn your neighborhood jaunt into a fundraiser. They donate 10 cents a mile for biking and 25 cents a mile for walking and running—a win-win for all!