Its a myth here in Nigeria that walking is the exclusive preserve of the poor or that walking is for wealthy folks who have dogs. Some also think walking is for protests or a cause.
I believe we can start walking for health.
In my experience, a number of patients who obviously need to loose weight are beset with problems of lack of motivation and as many excuses as you can imagine. Those who just need to keep fit don't even see the reason why.
Here is a simple start:
Walking is:
Readily available
Free
Do-anywhere
No-equipment-required
Practically no side effects
Walking been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes and cancer, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and keep you mentally sharp.
In fact, walking regularly could save Nigerians over millions of NAIRA a year in health care costs
Readily available
Free
Do-anywhere
No-equipment-required
Practically no side effects
Walking been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes and cancer, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and keep you mentally sharp.
In fact, walking regularly could save Nigerians over millions of NAIRA a year in health care costs
So, as a physician,I'm handing you a prescription to walk. Yes, this simple activity that you’ve been doing since you were about a year old is now being touted (along with other forms of regular physical activity) as “the closest thing we have to a wonder drug” .
With the explosion of sit-at-table jobs in Nigeria our state of health has to be consciously addressed.
Walking can have a bigger impact on disease risk and various health conditions than just about any other remedy that’s readily available to you.
With the explosion of sit-at-table jobs in Nigeria our state of health has to be consciously addressed.
Walking can have a bigger impact on disease risk and various health conditions than just about any other remedy that’s readily available to you.
Walking for 2.5 hours a week—that’s just 21 minutes a day—can cut your risk of heart disease by 30%.
Even a quick one-minute jaunt pays off .
A University of Utah study in 2014 found that for every minute of brisk walking that women did throughout the day, they lowered their risk of obesity by 5%. No more “I don’t have time” excuses!
Start walking, and you’ll be helping to make your community stronger, too. Social scientists have found that as more people take to the streets, neighbourhood crime rates fall and the local economy improves. It’s also a wonderful way to meet new people and connect with neighbours. Take a walk with your children after dinner. It can promote better communication, reduce behaviour problems, and improve academic performance.
Walking can even help your mood. A number of studies have found that it’s as effective as drugs for decreasing depression. It can help relieve everyday stresses, too. Tension starts to ease as the road stretches out in front of you. Mood-elevating endorphin levels increase. Walking helps clear the mind, too—you may even find the solution to a problem that’s been bugging you.
I recommend 10,000 steps daily.
You can download the free ACCUPEDO app on android and start your step count
So don’t wait for your next doctor’s appointment to get inspired. Put on your shoes, step out the door, and rediscover
The joys of walking.
Even a quick one-minute jaunt pays off .
A University of Utah study in 2014 found that for every minute of brisk walking that women did throughout the day, they lowered their risk of obesity by 5%. No more “I don’t have time” excuses!
Start walking, and you’ll be helping to make your community stronger, too. Social scientists have found that as more people take to the streets, neighbourhood crime rates fall and the local economy improves. It’s also a wonderful way to meet new people and connect with neighbours. Take a walk with your children after dinner. It can promote better communication, reduce behaviour problems, and improve academic performance.
Walking can even help your mood. A number of studies have found that it’s as effective as drugs for decreasing depression. It can help relieve everyday stresses, too. Tension starts to ease as the road stretches out in front of you. Mood-elevating endorphin levels increase. Walking helps clear the mind, too—you may even find the solution to a problem that’s been bugging you.
I recommend 10,000 steps daily.
You can download the free ACCUPEDO app on android and start your step count
So don’t wait for your next doctor’s appointment to get inspired. Put on your shoes, step out the door, and rediscover
The joys of walking.
Dr Dileem,
The Likita Bokanturai
Kano Nigeria.
The Likita Bokanturai
Kano Nigeria.
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