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By: Araceli Salcedo, CSUN Institute for Community Health and Wellbeing Volunteer

Staying fit and exercising is one of the best ways to maintain your health. Something as simple as walking every day can help you live a healthier life and continue on the road to a healthier you! It’s free and you can literally do it anywhere. It’s a low risk of injury and all you really need is a good, comfortable pair of walking shoes, water to stay hydrated and sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat etc.) when walking outside. Making walking a part of your daily life is only going to prolong your life and improve your quality of life.

According to the guidelines made by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, it is recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week. It is also said as time passes by, increasing the amount of activity and the intensity leads to greater health benefits. For beginners, or those that have been sedentary, brisk walking is a great step towards improving your health. Starting slow, making fitness goals, and gradually increasing the amount you walk is a great way to stay on top of your health.

The following are health benefits of walking, and exercise in general:

• Lowered risks of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, which are all risk factors for heart disease. Note: Heart disease is the #1 leading cause of death in the U.S, and by walking and exercising, you are decreasing that risk!
• Strengthening of your bones and muscles
• Improves blood circulation throughout your body
• Improves mood and can decrease stress levels
• Can aid in weight loss
• Decreased risk of memory loss/dementia
• Improves digestion and gastric mobility
• Improves sleep habits

Take part of National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 and walk with the Institute for Community Health and Wellbeing around campus. Walkability Wednesdays is a recurring event every Wednesday from 12:00pm-12:45pm and is a chance to take a break from the classroom or office to enjoy a walk and chit chat with fellow matadors. For more information visit Walkability Wednesdays.