One Healthy Habit for 2021...

If you are thinking about how to get into better shape this new year, why not keep it simple with a health intervention that's easy to do and proven to improve people's health and extend their lives?

It's walking. And before you say "too bad it's boring" and move on, read on a little more.

Around 30 minutes of walking a day, whether all at one time, or in multiple sessions has been shown through studies to help people lose weight, improve their heart health, increase endurance and improve mental well-being. A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association in the spring found that the more steps a person takes, the lower risk you have of dying from any cause.

Researchers observed 4,840 participants over the age of 40 for a 10-year follow-up period. They found taking around 8,000 steps a day was linked with a 51% lower risk of death from any cause compared with taking 4,000 steps. Taking 12,000 steps a day was linked with a 65% lower risk than taking 4,000 steps a day.

Also, during Covid times, spin classes may not be happening, nor triathlons or beach volleyball tournaments, but there should always be a way for nearly anyone to get a walk in regardless of the weather.

So where to start? I challenge you to spend just a half hour a day walking, as a way to better health and a longer life...which still leaves 23½ hours for sitting and sleeping.