IT'S SO EASY!

In this Web site, you will learn how easy and fun increasing your walking can, and you’ll also find out the many benefits that you can receive when you make it a challenging part of your day. But before I start, let me attempt to walk through the mind of a typical teenager and answer some questions you may have upfront. (Wish me luck!)

Q: First of all, why should I even increase my walking, don’t I do enough at school and home?

A: Well, you need to understand that there are many governing health agencies, such as the Center for Disease control and prevention, the American Heart Association, and the American College of Sports Medicine, that recommend that teens participate in 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity for most, or preferably all, days of the week.

Q: Well who are these agencies to tell me what to do...?

A: Okay, these agencies have been conducting on going research about the causes of certain fatal diseases, and which diseases were the causes of death in the US. Well, after finding a lot of causes for certain diseases and health conditions that people can get as they get older, they narrowed the causes down to changeable and non-changeable causes, or risk factors. A non-changeable risk factor would be something like genetics (family history), age, or gender. A changeable risk factor is something like smoking, drinking alcohol, or physical activity.

Q: AND ?

A: Well, do you think you can take a stab at what the leading causes of death and actual causes of death was in the United States in 2000? Well take a look….

If you can read the graphs clearly, you will see that the top three fatal diseases in this country are primarily caused by changeable risk factors- in other words, YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Unfortunately, as much as I’d like to deal with the danger of using tobacco- I would need a whole other website! BUT, if you can look at the second largest actual cause of death in the US, it has to do with people not being physically active.

Just think about it, the three major causes of death in the US can be avoided if people only changed their lifestyle to include some type of daily physical activity.

Q: Okay, so what do you want from me?
A: I’m glad you asked that question!!! It is the purpose of this Web site to first encourage and teach you how to live a healthier lifestyle in an easier way- by increasing your WALKING!

Q: WALKING!! That’s an exercise for old folks- isn’t it?
A: Actually, it’s an exercise for ALL ages! Walking is an aerobic or cardiovascular activity, what this means is that it can help strengthen your heart and lungs. Strengthening your heart and lungs help you perform everyday tasks more efficiently. It also helps you to exercise longer and harder.

Q: Oh well, I still would have to run to burn calories wouldn’t I?
A: Well, not really, Walking burns approximately the same amount of calories per mile as does running, a fact particularly appealing to those who find it difficult to sustain the jarring effects of long distance jogging. Brisk walking one mile in 15 minutes burns just about the same number of calories as jogging an equal distance in 81/2 minutes.

Q: OK, well how much walking is enough to keep me healthy?
A: You can gain many benefits from adding up to 30 minutes or MORE of walking. This means that you don't have to do 30 minutes at the one time. For example, you can do 2 or 3 short periods of 10/15 minutes of walking to reach your 30-minute target for the day. This means even walking to and from school counts towards your program.

Q: This sounds good, but I don’t really have a lot of time on my hands to spare?
A: With walking, that’s not a problem! You can still gain all the benefits from adding up to 30 minutes or MORE of walking per day. This means that you don't have to do 30 minutes or more at the one time. For example, you can do 2 or 3 short periods of 10 or 15 minutes of walking to reach your desired time you set for the day. So even walking to and from school counts towards your time of walking for the day.

Q: Well, where can I go to do this walking?
A: There are many kinds of everyday places and times that you can use to increase your walking, such like:
· Home
· Around the neighborhood
· School
· During lunch
· A Park
· Hallways
· Staircases
· Shopping mall
· In between different homework assignments
· On study breaks (clear you head and relax)
· Rail trail
· On the track
…Just to name a few!

Q: I guess this sounds like it is going to be real easy.
A: It is but there are some things you might want to consider- here are some Safety tips on walking for exercise:

· As easy as walking may seem, would you believe me if I told you there are actually for exercise, take a look at this:
o Ten Mistakes peolpe make while Walking!!

· Be careful- keep an eye out for any cracks or bumps on the ground
· Dress appropriately, try to wear light clothing and good running sneakers, especially if you plan to walk for a long time and it’s warm outside.

o What Shoes to Wear???

· Don’t push yourself – If you feel yourself starting to breathe heavy or become real tired or dizzy, stop walking for a while and take a seat if you can.
· Drink water- Please drink as much water as you can to keep your body cooled.

To find out about drinking water while walking
o Click Here!!

Q: OK, last question. What if I get bored doing all of this walking?

A: There are several different things you can do to “spice” up your daily walking program. For example, you can start to walk with a pedometer. If you want to add a little resistance to your walking, you can purchase an ankle weight. If that’s not enough, you can also purchase a pedometer.

o How to use a Pedometer

Also, for various types of ways to walk, check this out!

o Learn different ways to walk for exercise!!!!