Healthy Living
Walking is one of the simplest ways to get active and stay active. With each step you take, you travel further down the path to a healthier lifestyle. Research has shown that walking can have a significant impact on your health by lowering your chances of heart disease. Learn more about the benefits of walking and how incorporating it more can lead to healthier living.
Preventing Injury
Even though walking is one of the safest forms of physical activity, injuries do happen. Learn about potential problems and how you can prevent them.
Walking is one of the safest ways to get more physical activity. Minimize your injury risk with these tips:
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Get a smart start -Start low and go slow with supportive, well-fitting, cushioned athletic shoes. Increase your walking time or distance by 10 to 20 percent each week. Read more.
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Avoid blisters - Studies have shown that synthetic fiber socks decrease blisters compared to cotton socks. (Cotton tends to absorb moisture and increase friction.) Look for socks that are made with synthetic fibers such as Coolmax®, acrylic or polypropylene. Read more.
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Skip the shin splints - Shin splints (pain on the front of your lower leg) can occur if you increase your walking distance and speed too quickly or add too many hills too soon. Prevent them by wearing athletic shoes with adequate support and cushioning and gradually increasing your walking mileage and pace. Read more.
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Nix the knee pain - You may need a new pair of walking shoes with better support or cushioning. You may also benefit from strengthening and/or stretching exercises targeting the muscles that support the knee and hip. Read more.
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Happy trails - Don’t forget to look both ways when you cross the street — especially with many quiet hybrid cars on the road! If you’re listening to your iPod, make sure the sound doesn’t drown out street noise. Wear light-colored clothing with reflective strips if you’re walking at dawn or dusk. Read more.
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Injory 101 - Listen to your body. If you feel pain, particularly if it increases or comes on earlier in your walk, limit your activity and contact your doctor. Read more.
Americn Heart Association: Healthy For Good Sign Up
True change starts with a single step. The Heathy For GoodTM movement will help change your life, without forcing you to reimagine everything by taking simple, science based steps to improve your health. Take the next step in your HEALTHY FOR GOOD journey and sign up today.
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