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Approximately 67 million adults in this country have discovered that walking is one of the most fun, natural, and inexpensive ways of keeping your health, and your feet, in tip-top shape. Walking can be enjoyed almost anywhere, any time, and year round. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, walking exercises offers a host of benefits. To maintain a healthy and happier lifestyle, walking may be the right choice for you. It is an easy, safe and inexpensive way to exercise and keep up your health. Walking can also be a relaxing and invigorating way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The results of walking are physically rewarding and add enjoyable years to your life. Benefits of Walking are Numerous Walking is an excellent way to being an exercise program for those who have a long history of inactivity, problems with obesity, or who just don't like strenuous activity. When beginning, you can start off slowly and then gradually increase your speed to maintain a steady pace. A good conditioning program begins with moderation and dedication. Podiatrists recommend walking to ease or ward off a number of physically related illnesses. Walking can help you:
• Strengthen your heart and lungs
• Improve circulation
• Prevent heart attacks and strokes
• Reduce obesity and high blood pressure
• Boost your metabolic rate
• Favorably alter your cholesterol
• Improve muscle tone in your legs and abdomen
• Reduce stress and tension
• Reduce arthritis pain
• Stop bone tissue decay Wear Proper Footwear When Walking It is important to choose a good quality, lightweight walking shoe with breathable upper materials, such as leather or nylon mesh. The heel counter should be very firm, as it should have reduced cushioning to position the heel closer to the ground for walking stability. The front area of the shoe should have adequate support and flexibility, as well. Make sure the shoe fits your feet accordingly. The shoe should be snug, but not too tight over the sock and have plenty of room for the toes to move around. What athletic socks you choose are important as well because you don't want your shoe to become too tight when wearing socks. More Shoe Tips:
• Check the shoe width and make sure it is comfortable and accommodates the width of the ball of your foot.
• Make sure the shoe provides good arch support.
• See what the top of the heel counter of the shoe is properly cushioned and does not bite into the heel or touch the ankle bones.
Proper footwear is essential in protecting your feet from injury and pain as well as allowing you to properly walk for exercise. Initially, it is important to meet with your podiatrist prior to beginning any exercise or walking routine. With the consultation of your podiatrist, a proper walking regimen can be created to ensure appropriate exercise.
Your podiatrist in Quincy and Dedham should be consulted whenever an issue arises or if you are exhibiting any unusual pain caused from walking or exercising. It is vital to maintain regular visits to your podiatrist while exercising to ensure the safety of your feet and to make sure aches or pains do not develop. At the first onsite of aches or pains visit your podiatrist for further treatments to correct and prevent your ailments.
Owned and operated by Dr. Marshall Lukoff, Foot Care Specialists, PC, is committed to treating an array of podiatric problems including various toenail infections with laser nail in Dedham and Quincy. Dr. Lukoff, podiatrist in Quincy, MA, received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine.
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