Walk Your Way to Good Health

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This month at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center in Monmouth County, we’re observing National Heart Month. February is a time to focus on all ways to keep your body’s pumper in top form.

Health experts agree that a daily regimen of walking can be an easy, important step toward good heart health. Walking is low impact, easy on your joints, and can be done pretty much anywhere. Walking has been shown to:

  • reduce levels of LDL - the “bad” cholesterol that contributes to atherosclerosis and heart disease.

  • increase HDL levels - the “good” cholesterol that helps reduce your risk of heart disease.

  • help control overweight and obesity which strain your feet as well as your heart.

  • decrease your risk of diabetes and diabetes-related foot problems such as peripheral arterial disease and nerve damage.

Tips for successful walking

As with any exercise program, be sure to check with your primary care doctor before you get started. When you’re ready to step in and start walking your way to good heart health, our board-certified podiatrists have these tips:

  • Buy a pair of good walking shoes
    Athletic shoes that are specifically designed for walking will provide comfort and support in all the right places.

  • Sock it to you
    A good pair of moisture-wicking socks will help keep your feet warm, dry, and free from blisters.

  • Start gradually
    Doing too much too soon could cause injuries that quickly derail your efforts. Start slowly and increase your speed and distance little by little each day.

  • Grab a friend and put it in your calendar
    “6:00 a.m. walk with Janice” will get you rolling out of bed much more reliably than just a vague promise to yourself that you’ll “walk tomorrow.” Make an appointment with a friend and keep it.

  • Challenge yourself
    As you progress, make the walk more challenging by wearing light wrist weights or by finding a route with more hills.

Like a prized musical instrument, when the heart is fine-tuned the rest of your body hears the music. Even your feet sing. But if the tune goes sour and you find that walking makes your feet hurt, make an appointment with Dr. Samantha Boyd, Dr. Hal Ornstein, Dr. Dan Phan, or Dr. Joseph Saka. We treat all your foot and ankle pain with expertise and respect. Contact us at our offices in Howell and Jackson, New Jersey by phone at (732) 905-1110 or online.