APRIL 28, 2008

WALKING is an ideal form of exercise for many reasons. You don't need special equipment to do it, it can be done by almost anyone, and you can do it almost anywhere! As an added bonus, there are numerous health benefits from starting a regular walking program:

• Good for your heart: Walking regularly can result in a reduction of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which contribute to heart disease.
  
• Improves balance: This can help lower your risk of falls. This risk increases as we get older.
  
• Strengthens bones and joints: Walking is easier on your joints than running or aerobics (which are high impact activities). It also reduces your risk for osteoporosis.
  
• Weight control, more energy, better sleep: All benefits of a regular physical activity program.
  
• Exercise Extra: Walking shouldn't hurt. If it does, see your family physician. (SparkPeople)
  

DID YOU KNOW that after you eat fast food, drink two glasses of water? Big Macs, subs, fries, and pepperoni pizza are all loaded with fat and sodium, which can be bad for your heart. You can't do much about the fat once you've eaten it, but you can flush away some of the excess sodium by drinking plenty of fluid afterward, says Tina Ruggiero, R.D., a New York City dietitian. AND also drinking two glasses of water before every meal will do two things: keep you hydrated and make you eat a little less. A Dutch study showed that drinking two glasses of water can make you feel less hungry, possibly reducing your food intake and aiding weight loss. (Men's Health)

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