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USA Today (10/20, Hellmich, 5.82M) reported that research shows that brisk walking on a regular basis may confer health benefits. Regular activity, including a walking program, may lower the risk for premature death, help people keep their weight under control, “and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, some types of cancer and a host of other conditions.” For walking to be its most effective, people should be walking briskly enough that they cannot sing but still can talk.
BLOGFINGER MEDICAL COMMENTARY by Paul Goldfinger, MD, FACC
It is my professional opinion that some people cannot sing even if they are standing still. However, this is what we said in the exercise section of our book “Prevention Does Work: A Guide to a Healthy Heart:”
“The amount of exercise necessary is controversial; however, a brisk walk 4-5 times per week can offer some protection. In the Nurses Health Study from Harvard, women who regularly engage in brisk walking reduced their risk of heart disease to the same degree as women who engaged in vigorous exercise. Some studies suggest that strenuous efforts are probably better. “
One time we went to France, and within one day of arriving and having visited a bistro, a cafe and a patisserie, we decided to forget our diets. So we ate croissants, foie gras ( a delicious but very scary food), and all sorts of French cuisine. But we also did a great deal of walking.
When we got home, neither of us had gained any weight. That impressed me regarding the value of walking as exercise. I also know some Ocean Grovers who lost substantial amounts of weight simply by acquiring a dog. I don’t mean that they ate dog food, only that walking a dog is good exercise.
You also have to bend down a lot, and that too is good exercise. In addition, carrying around a full poop bag can reduce your appetite. Wegman’s bags are good for that purpose, and it’s pretty funny when yours says “asparagus.”
Another good exercise technique is dancing. If you are in the living room, try dancing around the room to “La Cachimba de San Juan” by the Havana Casino Orchestra: