August 16, 2023

Quote of the Week:

“Walking is the rhythm of life.”

– Gary Snyder

Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter! This topic delves into the fascinating world of human walking – from its evolutionary origins to its numerous health benefits. Whether you're caring for a loved one or simply seeking ways to enhance your own well-being, we hope you find this information insightful and inspiring.

Have you ever wondered why walking is such a fundamental part of human life? Explore the evolutionary journey that transformed our ancestors' mobility from ape-like locomotion to the sophisticated walking style we possess today. Here is an interesting article about this from Nature Communications Website. Link to Article

Why You Should Walk More:

Did you know that humans were designed to walk? Our body structure, from feet to arms, is optimized for efficient and comfortable walking. Learn more about how our body's unique adaptations make walking a natural and beneficial activity in the article: "Humans Were Made for Walking" from the Institute for Creation Research.

• “The walking human body — is a wonderful smooth moving almost self propelling machine."
• It looks as though mankind was made with extremely efficient walking "gear." Link to Article

Even the arms and the rotation of the spine help tremendously - “…arm swinging is an integral part of the energy economy of human gait.” Link to Article

• SO RELAX. IT’S NATURAL… 
• TAKE A WALK. (several times a week — or more)
• IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEAD, YOUR HEART AND YOUR SOUL!

But also, I should mention just because we were designed to walk, doesn’t mean everyone walks in a very efficient, relaxed way. Because most of us sit all day — we don’t really stand up straight enough to take advantage of the elegant design we have. Sometimes (often) our ankles are very stiff — also known as tight heel chord.

A great exercise to improve the mechanics of your walking is:

The heel chord stretch

Posture: Which one looks correct?

YES

Maximizing the Benefits of Walking:

• Proper Posture: Discover the correct posture that enhances the benefits of walking. Remember, good posture isn't just for appearances; it helps your body move more efficiently.
• Relaxed Arm Swing: Engage in a relaxed arm swing while walking to boost your energy economy. Try singing a favorite tune to keep your rhythm and spirit high, for example -- "Don't Worry Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin.
• Good Shoes: Find the right walking shoes that provide support and comfort. Visit a specialized walking shoe store and gather insights before making a choice.
• Safe Environment: Go for scenic routes with trees and natural beauty. Walking with friends not only adds companionship but also makes the experience more enjoyable.

If it’s still difficult because of pain, perhaps. Go see you doctor and ask for a physical therapy referral. Tell your doctor, “I want to get healthier. I want to age well. I know walking is good for me. But I have pain in my (fill the blank) when I walk more than (fill in the blank). I’d like to have a referral to a physical therapist, please.”

• Arthritis and Pain Relief: Learn how walking can be beneficial for knee pain and arthritis management. Explore insights from First Health Physical Therapy: Link
• Guide for Walking Improvement: Dive into a comprehensive guide on muscles used in walking to gain insights into how to improve your walking technique. Explore this guide on Physiopedia: Link
• Walk With Ease: Discover exercises from the Arthritis Foundation's "Walk With Ease" program, including calf stretches. These exercises can be particularly helpful for individuals with arthritis: Link
• Gait Training and Physical Therapy: Understand the benefits of gait training through physical therapy. Learn how this specialized approach can improve your walking abilities: Link
• Starting a Walking Exercise Program: Ready to embark on a walking exercise program? Gain valuable tips for starting your journey to better health through walking: Link

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