Let's Go Walkin' Mississippi!

Walking — Why it Works!

By now we all know walking works. If health and wellness could be found in the form of a pill, one of the ingredients would be exercise. From extra brain power and healthy vision, to weight management and better sleep, here are some health benefits that will help put the spring in your step.

Weight management is one of the better-known benefits of walking. Your body will burn more calories, even at rest, when you make exercise a part of your daily life.

Physical activity strengthens the heart, which results in decreased blood pressure. And lowering your blood pressure can also significantly lower your risk of developing heart disease. In fact, exercising just 30 minutes each day can give you a 30-40 percent lower risk of developing heart disease.

Regular exercise also improves your cholesterol by lowering your LDL (bad) cholesterol and raising your HDL (good) cholesterol. This is extremely important to a healthy heart as excess cholesterol can cause fatty buildup in artery walls, leading to heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

Finally, we know it's a smart idea to exercise, but would you believe it can actually boost your brain power? Older adults who walk briskly at least three times each week can reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other age-related memory loss.

The list of health benefits is lengthy, as walking and regular exercise can also promote a longer lifespan, better sleep, can strengthen your bones and muscles, lower your stress and give you a brighter outlook on life. So, what are you waiting for? Let's Go Walkin'!

Just Lose It! Start Walkin'!