Take the First Step to Better Health

What if we at Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle told you there was one action you could take to improve your podiatric health and the health of your entire body and your mental well-being? Well, there is, and it’s also incredibly easy to do: walking. National Walking Day is in April, and we want to share some reasons you might want to make this healthy habit your own.

What Walking Can Do for You

Walking might be the answer if you experienced changes in your active life during COVID shutdowns and trying to figure out a way back. This low-impact activity provides entry points for every fitness level. Even if you start with only 10 minutes a day, you will be making a start and build up gradually to a solid exercise regimen. Here are some of the benefits you’ll enjoy:

  • Attaining and maintaining a healthy weight-- walking, along with a nutritious diet, can help you lose weight—a brisk 30-minute walk can burn about 200 calories. If you are already at an appropriate weight, walking can help you maintain that weight. Many causes of foot problems worsen by being overweight, including heel pain, arthritis, and flat feet.

  • Fighting disease—walking regularly can help prevent several diseases that can impact your feet (and the rest of your body). These include diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and neuropathy. One study showed that people who walked regularly lowered their risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 30%.

  • Improving mental health—walking reduces anxiety and depression. It can elevate your mood and help you think more clearly. It means less stress and greater creativity and productivity on the job.

  • Help with joint pain—when you walk it increases blood flow to inflamed joints, which contributes to lubrication, and it also helps strengthen the muscles that support joints. In addition, there is also some evidence that regular walkers may be less likely to develop joint inflammation and disability.

Get Off on the Right Foot

Ready to start pounding the pavement or local track? Before you do, contact our Hudson office for an appointment with our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799. The foot doctor will want to examine your feet and check for any new or chronic podiatric conditions before starting your new walking program.

General Health, exercisePasco-Hernando Foot & AnkleNational Walking Day, Walking, Diabetes, Neuropathy