For the physically inactive Americans, a Surgeon veteran suggests walk for healthy living. However, it requires a proactive approach by communities to ensure safe and convenient neighborhood for this practice. According to Surgeon Murthy, merely 50% of adult population and more than a quarter high school pupils get sufficient physical activity, a requisite for proper health. He believes that walking is a cost effective means of getting fit for those who can’t run 6 miles or join the gym. People should have a secure place to practice walking or move with their wheelchair roll. The veteran reflected on this matter during an interview where he urged multiple groups to work towards creating walkable communities. With several communities, it is not the real picture at present.
Daily physical activities lower the possibilities of diabetes, heart diseases, obesity and other health related problems. It may also ease out the symptoms and bring improvements in overall quality of life for those living with the chronic diseases. According to 2008 issued guidelines, there are recommendations for adults to have a minimum of two and half hours of moderately intensive physical activity. For healthy living, children need to be active for at least an hour per day. In order to increase heart rate, walking must be sufficiently brisk allowing you to talk against singing.
People often complain about not having enough time to exercise from their daily routine. Their atmosphere makes it further hard to incorporate an activity within their daily routine. In several places, restaurants, shops and schools are placed far away for indiviuals to practice brisk walking. Sometimes, the busy streets don’t have sidewalks or there may be no time to surpass multiple traffic lanes. Traffic danger is cited by parents living close to the schools in some cases. Similarly, neighborhood crimes could be a reason for deterring walks and aged adults often fear of falling trap.
According to General Vivek, the communities should make it simpler and more secure of all age groups and abilities to practice walking. It should be irrespective of working, playing, learning and living. They should be also encouraged to keep moving. All of this to be implemented successfully needs effort from city planners, transportation officials, health officials, businesses, schools and parks and general masses. Murthy’s report covers building sidewalks and zoning decisions to promote worksite activity. Personally, the Surgeon likes holding some meetings during a walk session.
A report was prepared out after a safe people; safe streets campaign was conducted by Anthony Fox. It was an initiative by Transportation Secretary to help the communities in developing secure bicycling and walking networks. Millenials are emphasizing the need for having walkable communities. The Surgeon’s call may push their cause ahead allowing them to overcome barriers such as zoning laws, as pointed out by Scott Bricker. The America Walks executive director points out the presence of an official recognition from the doctor of their nation to address the pressing health issue. America Walks is a non-profit group of health and many other organizations who’ve pushed ahead for this move.
Image credit: Nawaj Panichphol