Health Essentials - Spring 2012 - Euclid - (Page 3)

Spring in your step Discover just how good walking is for your body and mind You already know that walking regularly is one of the most pleasant ways to breathe some fresh air, meet your neighbors, and get a little exercise. It’s also one of the easiest ways to maintain a healthy body and live a longer life. Walking works well for many people because it is a low-impact form of exercise, and it can be adjusted based on how much effort you want to expend. It is also very accessible for just about everyone (only walking shoes are required) and, best of all, walking is free. Improves skin tone. Improves memory. I Reduces the risk of colon cancer. I I How Do I Get Started? The Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute recommends walking at least 10,000 steps a day. An inexpensive pedometer can help you keep track of your steps. To help everyone get moving, many Cleveland Clinic sites around the region host weekly Walk with a Doc programs. A Cleveland Clinic physician speaks for 10 to 15 minutes on a medical topic of interest and then leads a three-mile walk. Come join us! It’s a great way to work walking into your routine. Count the Beneﬁts When we think of walking, the ﬁrst thing that typically comes to mind is shedding pounds. But don’t forget these additional reasons to pound the pavement: I Lowers blood pressure and the “bad” (LDL) cholesterol levels and raises the “good” (HDL) cholesterol levels, all of which decrease the risk of heart disease. I Lowers blood sugar levels, which lowers the risk of diabetes. I Strengthens and builds bone, a change that decreases the risk and pain of osteoarthritis. I Helps battle depression. Exercise makes the brain release the body’s natural chemical painkillers (e.g., endorphins, dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin). The release of these chemicals makes you feel better right away. I Reduces stress. I Improves the quality of sleep. I Helps to reach weight-loss goals and maintain a healthy weight. I Improves muscle strength, which helps the body maintain mobility, strength, ﬂexibility and endurance. EUCLIDHOSPITAL.ORG Get Walking! Attend These Events Walk with a Doc Hosted by the Willoughby Hills Family Health Center Every Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Penitentiary Glen 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland Walk with a Doc Hosted by the Beachwood Family Health and Surgery Center Every Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Beachwood Place, 25300 Cedar Road, Beachwood Meet in the Food Court Mall Walkers at Great Lakes Mall Sponsored by Euclid Hospital, Hillcrest Hospital and Willoughby Hills Family Health Center Doors open at 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. Sunday. (Self-guided walking program.) ©2012 Thinkstock HEALTH ESSENTIALS 3 http://www.EUCLIDHOSPITAL.ORG

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Health Essentials - Spring 2012 - Euclid

Health Essentials - Spring 2012 - Euclid
Exciting news about Health Essentials
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Health Essentials - Spring 2012 - Euclid