An Easy Way to Add Years to Your Life

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Whether your doctor has recommended that you increase your physical activity, or you just want to keep up with your children, walking is one of the easiest ways to improve your overall fitness. It also can add years to your life! For every hour of walking, life expectancy may increase by two hours, even if you start exercising in middle age.

“Walking is a great way to boost your heart health,” said Majid Basit, M.D., a cardiovascular disease specialist affiliated with Memorial Hermann and the South Texas Medical Clinics. “It creates new blood vessels in the heart and makes the heart a more efficient pump. I recommend walking 20 to 30 minutes at least three times a week.”

Schedule your walk on your calendar and treat it like any other important appointment. Involve an accountability partner. Take the stairs and park farther away from your destination. Download an app to monitor your progress. There are countless ways to be successful, so just get started.

Walking helps reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as 30 to 40 percent in women. It also improves cholesterol levels and can help lower blood pressure. Physical activity like walking can reduce the risk of stroke by 20 to 27 percent in active individuals, depending on whether they are moderately or highly active.

For more keys to a healthy heart, join Dr. Basit at The Original Girls’ Night Out at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital on Thursday, February 27th from 6 to 8 pm. The event is free, but registration is required. Call 713-222-CARE to reserve your place.