Walking is easy on the joints and bones
• Increases stamina and improves mobility
• Expands heart and cardiovascular functions
• Reduces stress
• Improves mental alertness and function
• Assists in weight loss and toning
• Promotes proper organ functions

DID YOU KNOW?
Walking has the power to reverse the aging process and safeguard your heart. As you age, your arteries lose up to 60 percent of their stretchiness, leading to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Regular walking triggers the release of substances that improve the overall condition of arteries and increase their flexibility. Researchers have found that walking alone can improve artery elasticity up to 35 percent. One study monitored 24 sedentary postmenopausal women, ages 60 plus, walking 40 minutes a day, 5 days a week. After 12 weeks, these women improved the elasticity of their arteries to the same condition of someone 28 years old. Dr. Kerrie Moreau, University of Colorado

Helping arthritis through walking
Regular exercise is a vital part of any arthritis treatment program because it increases strength and mobility, and reduces pain at the same time. The joint movement from walking strengthens cartilage, the material which protects the ends of bones, by transporting nutrients and waste products to and from it.

Walking away the blues
Walking and other exercise leads to the release of the body’s natural happy drugs—endorphins. Many physicians recommend adding regular walking and exercise as a natural treatment to relieve a bout of depression.

DID YOU KNOW?
"Aerobic exercise of any kind has the power to calm jangled nerves and improve bad moods. When it is done every day, it can enhance self-esteem and combat depression. Research has shown that a brisk 20-30 minute walk can have the same calming effect as a mild tranquilizer." www.prevention.com