Health Happenings
Stepping for Life
By Otero PATH
Are you looking for a simple and safe way to get into a daily physical routine? How about walking? Most of us know that walking is good for us. The health benefits are tremendous and can include everything from cardiovascular health to helping alleviate depression. We also know walking reduces the risk of infection, hypertension and heart disease. Walking also increases the amount of “good” cholesterol, improves coronary circulation, curbs decreases in bone density and increases muscular strength.
Knowing all this and doing something about it doesn’t always come together. Sometimes life just gets in way of our best intentions. You want to get healthier but start out by setting unrealistic goals. “I am going to get out and walk the 2 mile South Scenic path everyday!” So the first three days are great, but on the fourth day you just couldn’t make it. Then the excuses begin and that goal goes by the wayside. Learning to set realistic goals can also be a challenge. Setting short term realistic goals can lead to realizing the real benefits of walking. Tackle goal setting with an honest approach by acknowledging how much walking can you really get in? Are you able to take a short 15 minute walks 4 times a day? That gives you 60 minutes of physical activity throughout the day and that is as effective as walking around a track for an hour. You can do that four times a week and then start increasing the walking duration and the number of days. Or if that isn’t realistic remember the old saying “anything is better than nothing” and start where you are comfortable – parking your car a little further from the entrance to you work or the store. Just start one step at a time!
If you are looking for some motivation to get started - how about coming out and joining the Alamogordo Senior Center & Walk Otero ‘Stepping for Life’ weekly walking program. It begins on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at 5:30 PM. This free hour long program includes a warm up session, a 45 minute walk at your pace around the Center and a cool down. It’s okay to take it easy until you build up where you want to be. Participants will also be given goal setting and walking tips. For those individuals interested in power walking, that component will also be available. You can join as an individual and meet new friends, bring a friend, your spouse and your family. During inclement weather we will walk inside the Center cafeteria area. Music will be provided to jazz up those dreary fall and winter evenings. Ultimately, walking, like any other type of healthy activity, has to be done with regularity to be effective and that means making the commitment to realize the results.
Are you ready to get started? Before starting this program it is a good idea to consult with your physician, especially if you have a chronic condition or if you don’t exercise much or at all. All you need is comfortable clothing and walking shoes and a bottle of water to hydrate yourself. So come over and join us at the Alamogordo Senior Center for ‘Stepping for Life.” If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Hodges @ 439-1367 ext. 126 or call the Alamogordo Senior Center @ 439-4150. Hope to see you on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 and remember, all it takes is one step at a time!.
Otero County Community Health Council
700 E. 1st St.
Suite 720
Alamogordo, NM
88310
(575) 443-8100
Fax (575) 437-2949
oterochc@tularosa.net
oteromch@netmdc.com