“Walkable” Neighborhoods. Preschool children are less likely to be obese if they live in a neighborhood that is safe and within walking distance of parks and retail services. Pediatric Academic Society, May 2013

Only 1 in 5 Adults… Only 20% of American adults perform the recommended amount of exercise as outlined in federal guidelines. Adults should get at least two and a half hours each week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (like walking), or one hour and 15 minutes each week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (like jogging), or a…

More Reasons. Exercise helps to retard bone loss as you age, thereby reducing your risk of developing osteoporosis. Exercise also helps improves pain tolerance and mood if you already suffer from osteoarthritis. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996

Computer Exercises For Alzheimer’s Patients. A new technology using computer brain exercises may help Alzheimer’s patients. The NeuroAD system has patients solve computer exercises ranging from identifying colors, shapes, and letters to solving memory games. Simultaneously, the very same regions of the patient’s brain responsible for memory and learning receive electromagnetic stimulation, which reactivates brain…

Exercise vs. Running. Brisk walking can reduce a person’s risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol just as much as running can. The risk for the first-time hypertension was notably reduced 4.2% by running and 7.2% by walking. The risk for the first-time high cholesterol was reduced 4.3% by running and 7% by…

Walking and Smoking. Teens who increased the amount of time they exercised by at least 20 minutes (equivalent to a short walk) were more likely than their peers to resist lighting up a cigarette. Journal of Adolescent Health, April 2013

More Reasons. Exercise helps reduce and prevent the immediate symptoms of menopause (hot flashes, sleep disturbances, irritability) and decrease the long-term risks of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and obesity. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, 1996

Stroke Survivors and Walks. Taking regular brisk walks outdoors can help people recovering from a stroke to improve their physical fitness, enjoy a better qualtiy of life, and increase their mobility. The walking group in this study reported a 16.7% improvement in health-related quality of life, and walked 17.6% further in a six-minute physical endurance…

Exercise and Sleep. Light, moderate, and vigorous exercisers are more likely to experience restful sleep than non-exercisers (67% vs. 39%). If you are inactive, taking a ten minute daily walk could improve your likelihood of a good night’s sleep. National Sleep Foundation, March 2013

Less Stress For Kids. Children who exercise are less affected by stressful events than their more sedentary peers. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, March 2013