Fwd: [S-A] [SoFlaVegan] A Hearty Walk

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" Misty L. Trepke "

Sun, 18 Jan 2004 16:05:30 -0000

[s-A] [soFlaVegan] A Hearty Walk

 

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Misty L. Trepke

http://www..com

 

A HEARTY WALK

By Dr H. S. Rissam

 

Endorphin, a natural painkiller and relaxant, is released into our

bloodstream every time we take a walk†" inducing a feeling of well

being and positivity.

 

Heart ailments may be compared to the sword of Damocles that hangs

over everybody's head: it can fall on anybody, anytime, anywhere. The

silver lining is that a simple act like walking can go a long way in

preventing the onset of a life-threatening heart attack.

 

SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE

Of all the known risk factors that might lead to coronary heart

disease, the worst is a sedentary lifestyle. Most people avoid

exercising not because they do not have the time, but because they

are plain lazy. Leisure and recreational activities now mean late

night dinners and television, instead of sports and morning walks.

This has resulted in a majority of the populace getting no physical

exercise, which in turn leads to an increase in weight, high levels

of cholesterol, and diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. A

combination of these factors damages the heart and leads to angina or

myocardial infraction, in short, heart attacks.

 

WHY WALK?

Spend at least 40 to 60 minutes every day for physical exercise.

Exercise has a positive effect on cardiac risk factors like

hypertension, diabetes and obesity. People who exercise regularly

have a lower pulse rate. This enables them to perform their

day-to-day activities at a much lower heart rate than those who are

sedentary most of the time. Their cardiac reserve is higher and

better and they can engage in physical activities for a longer time

without straining their hearts.

 

Other than exercising the heart and developing physical stamina,

walking gives you a feeling of well being that affects the way you

relate to everything around you. This feeling is produced because

when you walk, endorphins are released in the bloodstream. Endorphin

is the morphine-like substances produced by the body. Morphine is a

painkiller and a relaxant. Walking gives you a 'shot' of natural

morphine, endorphin, which is responsible for that 'feel good'

effect you experience every time you walk. It makes you feel nice,

puts you in a positive state of mind and helps you think better.

 

A WORD OF CAUTION

Walking as an exercise is the best prescription against an impending

heart attack. However, those who develop chest pain or any other

symptoms while walking must exercise caution and seek a physician's

advice before continuing with

the exercise program.

 

PRACTICAL TIPS

Walking is the most economical, convenient and safe exercise. You

don't need any equipment, companion or even a playground. No prior

reservation is required. You just need a pair of canvas shoes and,

more importantly, the will to walk. Try to walk at least four to six

kilometers every day, or 30 kilometers every week, or 100 kilometers

in a month, and at least 1,000 kilometers a year. Every day, make an

entry in a calendar of the number of kilometers you have walked.

If you are short of the requisite kilometers for the week, complete

the shortfall the next week. Ditto for the month. Complete the

month's quota and if there is a shortfall, it must be completed the

next month so that the year's total comes out to be at least a

thousand kilometers. Celebrate the New Year, your birthday or

anniversary, or any other special day for that matter, by walking an

extra kilometer. Reward yourself by walking extra kilometers.

Persuade your spouse, friends, neighbors and acquaintances to walk

with you. In 40 years of active walking, you should be able to walk

around 40,000 kilometers, which is the same distance required to

travel around our planet!

 

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