Walking Has Great Benefits, Thank Goodness

 

Recent books and studies show even more ways walking is good for me, thank goodness, I will take all the help I can get! Many of you readers know I walk with Bounce two times a day, and we love doing that. For health and enjoyment and a lift to my spirits. I read a recent article that says that moderate walking like I do can also build the white matter in the brain. That makes even more incentive for me to keep walking at my age. The above photo shows Bounce's coat with the word "Security". Below he is wearing a warmer coat.

 

Neuroscientist Shane O'Mara wrote a recent book "In Praise of Walking" where he shows data about how walking improves cognitive powers. For seniors like me and for all of us that is good news. One study shows that people who walk more than 4,000 steps a day (that's me) had healthier brain tissue in the area responsible for memory and cognitive function. 

Hurray for walking, and thank you Mr. Bounce. I know that lots of you enjoy walking, some of you hiking for long distances (hello Ilona, DJan and all). Anyone have a walking story to share in the comments?

Arcade games in church lobby, Walking and Dementia

 

I took this photo of the arcade games in our church lobby. The games were borrowed for six weeks and relate to the sermon series our minister gave titled Press Start. Kids and adults played the games before and after church and they were quite popular. One boy age 9 insisted his family arrive a half hour early for the six Sundays so he could play the games. I like the colors in my photo.

 

Above is Bounce, my exercise coach. Hey friends. I just read that walking 10,000 steps per day can help cut our risk of dementia in half. This was in an article by Sarah Cownley in the Epoch Times this month. When I finally got a smart phone four years ago I found a fun app that I got that counts my steps. I do not walk 10,000 steps but I do walk x thousand. I don't think we need to compete against other people, I like to compete against me! Set slightly higher goals when inspired.

Above are my kitty Fluffy and Bounce on a walk, Fluffy often chooses to walk with us. People in the neighborhood love to see this. My exercise and walking coach is my dear dog Bounce, and I tell him I am his exercise coach in return. Cownley reports that walking 3,800 steps per day reduces dementia risk by 25 percent. She has a diploma in nutritional therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London. I wonder if the benefit is enhanced by walking outdoors where we can see the beauty of the sky, breathe in fresh air, and be encouraged to think peaceful thoughts. Or is the benefit the same when walking indoors? Just pondering.

I got 3 of these jackets for Mr. B, this one says Security and another says FBI. I read that neighborhoods where lots of people walk their dogs have less crime which makes sense. Enjoy your walks and your day.