Week 12 #HealthyHabits Challenge: Walk 10,000 steps every day.

Our Week 12 Challenge is: Walk 10,000 steps every day.  

The CDC recommends at least 10,000 steps per day.

Dr. Gerald Harmon, vice president of medical affairs at Tidelands Health, says moderate and low-impact exercise such as walking, biking or swimming for about 20 minutes three time a week is all that’s needed to achieve valuable health benefits.  

“Walking is such great exercise,” he says. “You move your arms and legs and you work your lungs every time you take in a breath.” 

Ideas to add steps to your day

• Take a walk after meals. Walking after each meal is a great way to burn calories while aiding in digestion. Taking short walks after your meal can help get in your steps for the day, as well as help lower your blood sugar levels. Start incorporating 5-minute walking after each meal this and see how you feel! 
• Take a work walk. Rather than sit while you have a meeting, make it a walking meeting! Walk in person or on the phone with a coworker to be productive while you’re getting the healthy benefits of walking! 
• Take short 5 and 10 minute walking breaks throughout the day. Get up! Get moving! You don’t have to move for 30 minutes all at the same time – research shows incremental movement throughout the day gives you the same health benefits.

Have a healthy week!