Walk Your Way to Health

Francis Bacon, while talking about death said long ago "Men fear death just like children fear to walk in darkness". In the present context we can say" men fear to walk when they own a car". Taking it further we find men forget their legs when they land in a car. This exempts those who regularly take to walking for health and happiness.
Walking is a low-impact exercise. This exercise is accessible to all. It is safe, simple and suitable for all people who want to be more active. It brings several benefits. It lowers (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol); raises (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) lowers blood pressure, reduces risk of diabetes, reduces or manages your weight and helps to stay strong and physically fit. It helps to trim one's waistline, improve health and to regain health after illness.
It is good for one's feeling of wellbeing.
Reports say that those who walk regularly have less incidence of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other killer diseases. They live longer, get mental health and spiritual benefits.
While there are several benefits as stated above somehow people do no take to walking seriously except when they are hit by a serious illness or health problem Such people walk under doctor's advice and not out of considerations or passion for keeping physically fit.
The best time to walk is in the early hours of the morning when there is little traffic and when air is fresh. The weather will be pleasant and invigorating. Many may not have time to walk in the morning. For them evening is the alternative. But the traffic and pollution will be adverse factors.
Walking is beneficial if one maintains the correct posture and does breathing in a manner to increase oxygen intake. It is advisable to walk with the belly drawn out while inhaling and drawn in while exhaling. This will help to take more of oxygen and leave out all impurities.
The route chosen is very important to get the best results for walking. A level road is ideal. The surface should be uniform and even. Parks with walking tracks are good. One can take several rounds. Keeping the health condition in mind one can chose the route and the duration.
People walk alone or in company of friends. Company removes boredom and provides relaxation. But conversation should not reduce the speed and make it more for chatting than for health benefits. Exchange of experience and funny episodes are great advantages while walking in a group. These provide laughter and acts as a health medicine.
There are many occasions when people while walking, when their minds are fresh, discuss about ideas, events, and actions of individuals. If the group consists of enlightened individuals the ambiance triggers creativity and give rise to wonderful ideas. Many articles and books have been the outcome of such interchange of ideas. These ideas are developed and have found expression in the form of books. There are several live examples in support of this.
However, an element of caution is necessary while walking. Those who walk before day break will find it useful to wear white dress so that persons coming from the opposite direction can easily identify and avoid collision. Dark colored dress reduces visibility and creates problems of identifying individuals. Light colored dress will be conducive to better visibility when the light is dim. A good pair of sports shoes will be very useful to facilitate speedy and easy movement without blisters. In chilly weather it is advisable to wear a cap to protect the head. The ears could be plugged with a soft cloth or cotton. These precautions will help to escape from cold.
There is danger of being hit by a speeding vehicle. In the early mornings traffic is less and drivers have a tendency to speed. Those not familiar with the road layout may sometimes run into posts, trees and pedestrians causing loss of life or injury. So one who walks has to be careful .It is safe to keep to the extremes of the road.
It is also necessary to respect elders who take to walking for keeping physically fit. They may have problems of losing balance and slipping or fall. They may need help and young walkers have to be considerate to such persons.
Conversation should be interesting rather than gossip or cynicism or playing a blame game. Morning is conducive to creativity and the occasion should be used to do creative thinking and relaxation. Care of the fellow traveler is a must .If these safeguards are observed walking becomes purposeful, enjoyable and beneficial to many.