North Dakota winters do not always provide temperatures that allow physical activity outdoors. This leads many to a state of hibernation. About 53.8 percent of North Dakotan’s report that they do not get the recommended amount of physical activity. And, cold North Dakota winters do not help motivate people to increase activity. Luckily, walking is an activity that can certainly be done just about anywhere. It has also been proven to be a great way to meet activity goals.
Whether walking indoors or outdoors, there are many benefits to health. Walking has been proven to strengthen the heart, relieve stress and lower the risk of certain diseases. Some diseases include type II diabetes by an estimated 60 percent and reduce the likelihood of developing colon and breast cancer by 20 percent. The risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, hypertension and obesity is also reduced by incorporating 150 minutes of brisk walking. And, by 75 minutes of vigorous activity into your weekly routine.
Exercise tools
To reach recommended physical activity goals, exercise tracking tools might be needed to meet goals. These tools have proven to be effective in motivating people to reach fitness goals. There are different devices to track fitness. Most can be worn on your wrist. A majority of these devices also work with a smartphone application. This allows to view and record exercise session, sleep cycle, caloric intake, water intake, caloric expenditure, and steps taken throughout the day. Monitor fitness levels with an exercise tracker provide motivation to achieve activity goals and help to keep consumers accountable for maintaining activity levels.
Making small changes throughout the day can also make an impact on a person’s health. Eating breakfast, parking further from the door, keeping water at your desk, setting aside time for physical activity, choosing healthy snack options (almonds, fruit, yogurt, vegetables, etc.), taking breaks throughout the day to move, and obtaining seven to eight hours of sleep are ways to live healthier.
Discover the trails
Community Health Partners are working on ways to provide information on established walking areas for both indoor and outdoor walking in the community. Indoor walking includes places like the Jamestown Civic Center and Buffalo Mall. And, soon the new TRAC facility. These places allow people to walk at their own pace indoors away from the cold winters. With the help of several small grants, signs will be placed at local parks throughout the community to mark routes and distances for walking. The Discover the Trails brochure is available throughout the community to help residents find places to safely walk. To view the brochure online visit: http://centralvalleyhealth.org/; chpstutman.com or stop by Central Valley Health to pick up a copy.