Rediscover the Pleasure and Value of Walking

Rediscover the Pleasure and Value of Walking

By Edie George

An old fashioned walk is regaining popularity in this time of busy and sometimes stressful lifestyles many people lead. It is the easiest form of exercise since everyone knows how to do it. You can do it anytime, anywhere, in any scenario. Walking with friends at work or in the neighborhood is a pleasure. If you can not talk as you walk, chances are the pace is too fast. Slow down and work on increasing the tempo over time. Choose directions that take you into neighborhoods with lovely gardens to look at. If there are parks nearby, head on over there to see the shrubs and flowers and trees, maybe do a little bird watching.

Some cities have walking clubs that meet on a weekly basis and take a tour of places of interest in the area. They choose a different direction each time and find treasures in the city that you might have driven right by for years and never noticed. This is a wonderfully easy and accessible and healthy way to socialize casually, meeting new people and seeing new sights. If you belong to a group of any kind, suggest the formation of a walking group of your own, you will probably find others who will be enthusiastic and you are on your way.

No matter your age or physical condition walking will benefit you in many ways. Of course, you might want to consult your physician before embarking on a full schedule of regular walking. Walking has been shown to improve circulation and reduce stress which in turn improves blood pressure and strengthens your cardiovascular system. Another benefit from walking can be a better nights sleep for those who sometimes experience insomnia.

One good thing about developing a walking hobby is that it takes no fancy equipment. A good pair of cross training shoes, with proper arch support and a slight lift in the heel will make your feet happy. If you like to walk on wooded trails, look for a light hiking boot that will give support to your ankles as well. Walking shorts in warm weather and long pants in cooler climate along with several layers of light tank tops and shirts will keep you comfortable and can be removed as you become warmed up.

Old fashioned as it might be, walking with a friend or loved one in the evening, walking the dog or strolling along communing with nature is a very pleasant and valuable activity to include in your life for as long as you live.

Visit http://www.slrcamerabags.org to find an slr camera bag that will keep your camera and equipment readily at hand for use on your walk.

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Osteoarthritis and Obesity - Excess Weight Increases Your Risk For Developing Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis and Obesity - Excess Weight Increases Your Risk For Developing Osteoarthritis

By Tina Sayer


Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder and while it is still unclear how being overweight influences this condition, studies show that excess weight is an established risk factor for osteoarthritis of the knee, causing a 3-4 fold increased risk of primary joint replacement. It is estimated that about 56% of obese people suffer from major knee pain, in comparison to 15% of people who are not overweight. Studies also show that overweight people additionally stand a higher chance of developing hip and hand osteoarthritis.
Does Excess Weight Accelerate the Breakdown of Cartilage?
It is certainly understood that excess weight increases the load placed on the joints, thus increasing the stress and possibly hastening the breakdown of cartilage. It was found that severely obese men were 15 times as likely to have torn cartilage, with severely obese women being 25 times as likely. Each step taken on level ground places 1 to 2 times the body weight on each knee, with the burden going up to 2 or 3 times as much when going up and down stairs and 4 or 5 times as much when squatting.
Will Weight Loss Reduce the Risk of Osteoarthritis?
Studies clearly show that enough weight loss reduces the rate of knee arthritis in both men and women, in addition to alleviating symptoms such as pain and stiffness. Each pound lost reduces knee pressure in every step taken and one study found that the risk of developing osteoarthritis decreased by 50% with each eleven pound weight loss among younger obese women. Research also showed that knee osteoarthritis would decrease by a fifth in older men who went from obese to just overweight, and by a third in older women. While total joint replacement is an effective treatment for severe knee and hip osteoarthritis, reducing inflammation, relieving pain, protecting the joint from further damage and building strength in the muscles that support the joint can often improve joint function.
Losing Weight Can Support Your Joints and Reduce Pain
Losing weight can be a challenge for many people, but it may seem even more daunting when coping with painful arthritis symptoms. However, losing excess pounds can have a big impact on how you feel by alleviating pressure placed on joints during physical activity, plus possibly helping to reduce circulating cytokines, which promote inflammation. Avoiding particular motions or ignoring the pain will not make it go away and is likely to cause a rapid progress of symptoms. Limited movement will weaken the muscles, compounding the joint problem, plus affect your posture thus creating further difficulties. Developing a program that is suited to your level of fitness and health is extremely important and can be done with the support of a physician, physical therapist or exercise physiologist. The right program can be a lasting way to reduce and control joint pain and may even help delay or avoid the need for surgery.
Eating a Healthy Diet to Lose Weight and Reduce Inflammation
Research shows a special link between food and the symptoms of arthritis, with certain foods helping to control the destruction of joints and others helping to relieve pain. An anti-osteoarthritis diet contains foods filled with antioxidants and bioflavonoid as well as foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids. Following a healthy diet by concentrating on lower-fat, nutrient-rich foods and plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help to reduce inflammation and maintain a balanced weight thus reducing strain on the joints.
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