Walk Your Way to Wellness

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25% of U.S. deaths are due to heart disease.

Melaleuca says better health begins with the first step

The largest risk factors for heart disease include being overweight, having a poor diet, and physical inactivity. These factors often lead to type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. The good news is that many of these problems can be prevented and even reversed by eating a diet filled with more fruits and vegetables than sugars, fats, and carbs, and getting more exercise. You don’t have to join a gym to start seeing improvements in your health. Walking is a fun and cost-effective way to attain the benefits of losing weight.

4 great reasons to start walking

1. Fight cardiovascular disease: Like other aerobic exercises, walking helps you lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure, raise good cholesterol, improve blood flow in your body, and increase your lung capacity. All of these factors help fight heart disease.
2. Lower impact on joints: If you’re overweight, chances are that starting an aggressive fitness program might actually do you more harm than good. Extra pounds can be taxing on your joints, so starting with a low-impact exercise can help you avoid additional damage to your knees, spine, and feet.
3. Do it anywhere: Whether rain or shine, at home or abroad, walking is an activity you can do almost anytime and almost anywhere. It may be easier to head out on sunny days, but even when the seasons change, as long as you bundle up and the sidewalks are clear, you can still get out and stretch your legs. When the weather or time becomes a factor, walk up and down your stairs at home or at work or try an aerobic walking DVD.
4. Reduce stress: Another contributing factor of heart disease is stress, and walking is a sure solution to combat it. Taking a second to walk away from whatever gets your blood boiling gives you a chance to get some fresh air, clear your head, and change your perspective, not to mention produce endorphins that help you feel more positive. Don’t spend your energy on negative emotions like anger, worry, or frustration. Redirect it into a healthier, more productive outlet by getting a little exercise.

Dog’s best friend

Walking is a wonderful exercise for your dog too. Here are the keys to making sure you’re walking the dog the right way.

1. Always walk your dog on a leash. Retractable leashes give you less control.
2. The collar should rest high up on the neck. Avoid body harnesses.
3. Walk at a brisk pace with your shoulders back and spine straight.
4. Avoid making a fuss about passing other dogs.
5. After the walk, reward your capable canine with a meal or a ProCare® pet treat. Repeat daily.