Get Out There and Walk!
The evidence is clear: the combination of a sensible diet and regular exercise can prevent and alleviate a wide range of health issues from your head to your toes. Have you gotten the message and made some changes to your food intake? Good for you! Many people, however, are stuck on the exercise component. What counts as “exercise?” Do you have to start going to the gym or taking loud spinning classes every day? Only if you want to. There’s another excellent option available to you, and it’s both free and fun! Take a walk.
In addition to improving overall health and cardiovascular conditioning, walking offers benefits to bones, muscles, and soft tissues throughout your body. Here are some tips from Cook County podiatrist Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos to help you get started and stick to a plan to walk for good health:
- Schedule time for your walk and write it on your calendar, the same as you would any other appointment.
- Call a friend and make a plan to take a walk together. You’ll be less likely to cancel on a friend than you would on yourself.
- You should replace athletic shoes at least once a year or every 500 miles, whichever comes first. If yours are older than that, it’s time to invest in a comfortable, supportive new pair of sneakers.
- Many phones now offer a step-tracking feature. Find yours and count your steps. Aim for 10,000 per day.
- Walking outside in Chicago winter can pose a challenge for many people. If the weather makes you want to stay inside, consider walking in your local mall or another indoor venue. All steps are good steps.
Are you interested in beginning any new exercise program in the coming months? Begin by ensuring that your feet, ankles, and lower legs are in good health and ready to support your efforts. See your podiatrist for a thorough examination. Call our friendly staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule a convenient appointment with Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in the modern, comfortable My Chicago Foot Expert office today.
