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National Walk to School Month

October is National Walk to School Month!  To get you ready to lace up your walking shoes, we’re providing you with the many beneficial reasons on why walking is great exercise for your overall health, including your feet!

Chiropodist Tony Abbott provides the following health benefits you can experience by walking on a regular basis:

  • Metabolically. Walking helps control weight, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels, which is encouraged for people who are diagnosed with diabetes. A brisk walk that gets your heart rate up can burn up to 100 calories each mile!
  • Cardiovascular fitness. Since walking is an aerobic exercise, your heart beats faster, which transports oxygen rich blood throughout your muscles. Due to this process, your heart and lungs will become more efficient while reducing your blood pressure.
  • Circulatory. If you have poor circulation to your arms, legs and feet, walking is a great way to encourage blood flow. Vessels that supply blood for cellular respiration are improved greatly when you participate in a regular walking regimen.
  • Psychologically. Walking can help you achieve overall feelings of well-being, which will reduce your depression risks, anxiety and stress. This happens because of the endorphins that are emitted and thoughts that are stimulated while walking.

Now that you know the benefits of walking, it’s time to get up and get out there! Make sure you have a proper fit of shoe that will provide the right amount of support and cushioning for your feet.  Having a proper fit shoe will eliminate foot pain from occurring. If you have diabetes, or other health conditions, make sure to consult your health care provider before starting a regular walking routine.

National Walk to School Month aims to reach children and families around the country with the message of how walking can benefit your health as well as to promote their goals of:

Do you want to get involved with National Walk to School Month? Visit www.iwalktoschool.org to find where people are walking to school in your area!

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