Every Step Counts

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture reflect current research related to health. One striking recommendation does not address diet, but calls for increased levels of physical activity for all Americans. It recommends that adults be active a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 90 minutes each day to keep from regaining lost weight.

The benefits of activity or moving more include:

• Stress management
• Sleeping better
• Feeling better overall
• Improved self-esteem
• Healthy bones, muscles and joints
• Weight control

There are numerous ways to achieve the recommended minutes of physical activity. An easy and convenient way to increase physical activity is by walking. Many people find the use of a pedometer to be motivating as they strive to increase physical activity. A pedometer is a simple, lightweight footstep meter or device designed to measure the number of footsteps taken. This is accomplished by the pedometer sensing the body’s motion as each step is taken. All you do is clip the pedometer onto your belt or pants each morning and the meter counts your steps all day long.

A moderate to vigorous 30-minute walk equals about 4,000 steps. Try setting a goal of 10,000 steps a day, which is approximately 5 miles. By increasing the number of steps taken each day and increasing the speed at which the steps
are taken you can improve your health. In addition, 10,000 to 12,000 steps accumulated each day can help you to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

 

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