According to the National Institutes for Health, just 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic activity per week will help most adults stay healthy. For many, deciding on a fitness program and finding the time to exercise can stop the most well-meaning person in their tracks. Luckily, getting on the path to better health can literally be as easy as a walk in the park.
“Walking has a low risk of injury and you don’t need any memberships, special equipment or training to get started,” said Dr. Jill Young, a board certified physician at Capital Health Primary Care – Quakerbridge. “Most people don’t need to see a doctor before they begin a walking program, but if you have a chronic health issue or you’re over age 40 and have been inactive for a while, check with your primary care doctor to establish a fitness routine that’s safe for you.”
In addition to seeing patients at Capital Health’s primary care office in Lawrenceville, NJ, Dr. Young is a trustee of the 22-mile Lawrence Hopewell Trail, a non-profit that provides communities in Hopewell and Lawrence Townships a safe environment for walking, jogging, and biking.
A brisk walk 30 minutes a day, five days a week will help you burn calories, strengthen your muscles and bones, and can lower your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. If you have a tight schedule to work around, Dr. Young suggests breaking your walks into three 10-minute sessions per day to enjoy the same benefits, all of which improve your overall fitness and lift your mood along the way.
Whether it’s scheduling a wellness check-up or you’re just not feeling well, Capital Health understands that advanced medicine starts with your primary care doctor. If you don’t already have a primary care provider, Capital Health’s Primary Care Network offers convenient offices throughout the greater Mercer, Bucks and Burlington county region.
To learn more, or to find an office near you, visit capitalmedicalgroup.org.