Jon Stanton

Today is National Walk @ Lunch Day, a nationwide event sponsored by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. I will be speaking and leading a walk at the Blue Cross Michigan headquarters in Lansing.

This is a great day to start a wonderful new habit - setting aside time every day for a brisk walk. Do you realize some of the benefits of walking regularly? My friend Jodi Davis (see links tab) posted these stats are her blog this morning (www.walkytalk.com) and I wanted to share them with you:

One mile of brisk walking burns 100 calories – the SAME as running or jogging one mile!

Walking is a weight-bearing activity – so heavier individuals will burn more calories than lighter individuals! (A 220-LB person burns almost twice as many calories as a 110-LB person.)

Walking causes your metabolism to be elevated above normal for a period of time after the workout, which results in additional calories burned during the day!

Walking is FREE – all you need is a good pair of walking shoes!

Walking can be done ANYWHERE at ANYTIME, and it really is enjoyable!

Walking just 30 minutes for 5 times a week lowers your risk for having a heart attack, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes, osteoperosos, and arthritis.

Walking on a regular basis can REDUCE blood pressure, increase the efficiency of your heart & lungs, boost bone strength, reduce stress, control your weight & improve muscle tone!

Guess what? Every single one of these statements is true - and I am living proof! I went from 430 pounds to 200 pounds; I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis - and ALL OF IT IS GONE! What was my secret? Common sense eating and walking every day for at least 30 minutes. That's it! Start a great habit today, and take a walk @ lunch!