National Start! Walking Day

Today is National Start! Walking Day.

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer in America. So in honor of the fight against heart disease, the American Heart Association wants you to get on your tenners and head out the door. It's not to late to get in some physical activity.

Their website lists some compelling reasons on why you should walk:

"Walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity, and is the
simplest positive change individuals can make to effectively improve their heart health. Research has shown that the benefits of walking and moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes total on most or every day of the week can help you:

Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels
Improve blood lipid profile
Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity
Enhance mental well-being
Reduce the risk of osteoporosis
Reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer
Reduce the risk of non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes

Did you know that for every hour of regular, vigorous exercise we do --
like brisk walking -- we can live two hours longer?"

Their website has a lot of great information, including a FREE online tool that can help you
track your exercise and diet. Information and challenges like this help motivate me to live a healthier lifestyle. After all, a healthy lifestyle means I will feel better and hopefully save money on things like doctor's visits and over-the-counter remedies.

I'm currently in week two of my pledge to do 30 minutes of exercise three times a week. I'm doing well, and soon, I plan to increase my pledge to four times a week. Eventually I'd like to be doing something every day of the week. Won't you join me?