Research says that walking offers many health along with healthy eating. United States authorities are now encouraging everyone to live an active life. Vivek Murthy, a surgeon general of the US has recently initiated a campaign that encourages citizens to walk frequently.
Murthy is aware that "an average of 22 minutes a day of physical activity-such as brisk walking-can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes."
"The key is to get started because even a small first effort can make a big difference in improving the personal health of an individual and the public health of the nation," Murthy added.
Health authorities say that making walking part of the daily life can reduce the chance of acquiring diseases thus saving more money.
However, there are many obstacles that are hindering authorities to achieve their goal of motivating people to exercise regularly. Lack of facilities disable them to meet their goals.
In line with the "Step It Up" campaign of Murthy, he also promotes the development of walkable communities. The American physician believes that program and policy efforts should be implemented including funding to ensure public health.
Facilities and designs like curb cuts, sidewalks, safe crossings for the visually impaired and crosswalks should be made to provide opportunities to the people to live a more active life.
Physical activity can help prevent osteoporosis and can help individuals manage their weight. It can also lower stress, enhance mood and even reduce risks of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.
Walking is the simplest, easiest and most cost-effective form of physical activity one can add to his lifestyle but it can offer many health benefits like improving blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Inactive lifestyle on the other hand, can cause lung and heart disease including cancer and diabetes which receive 86% budget from the health care cost of the US.
