Why Walk? Why Not?

 Every day we are bombarded with thousands of articles, books, television ads, and social network apps all in the name of fitness.  If we do this program, that diet, work less, de-stress more,  we will become happier healthier humans.

The truth is few of us can apply ourselves to the demands of programs, food guides, group fitness and life counseling.  What we all can do is walk.  It is not magic, there is no training, no guide to follow, just put one foot in the front of the other.

Take the stairs, walk around the block – literally, take a walk in the park, explore the nearest boardwalk.  There is no down side to walking, no harmful side effects,  no records or times to keep track of.  Yet it has proven to be one of the most beneficial treatments for arthritis, depression, asthma, obesity, heart disease, and anxiety,  to name a few.  Our bodies are made to walk and it doesn't matter how little or how much you do, as long as you do it.

Wednesday May 14^th is the second annual Nova Scotia Walk Day, a program put together by the Heart and Stroke Foundation to encourage Nova Scotians to walk for 10 minutes.  Communities, businesses, or individuals can register their walk at http://walkaboutns.ca/  for a chance to win one of 3 prize packages. Check the website for groups in your area if you don't want to walk alone. Some people like to keep count of their steps by borrowing a pedometer from their local library. 

So set aside a few minutes every day to do what comes naturally – walk. And if you need some inspiration, we do have books, of course! Try The Walker Within , filled with " moving stories that reveal the joys, frustrations, observations, and sublime moments" of walking. 

Patricia Milner, Head of Reference Services