Three ways walking improves our health [infographic]

How walking improves our health? You might be surprised to learn that simply stepping outside and walking in the local park can have a vast impact on our overall health and wellbeing.

To showcase the value that walking can bring to our health in the long-term, the team at Physiomed highlights three positive changes in this latest post.

1. Reduced Cancer Risk

The latest data shows that women who walk more than 7 hours per week have a 14% lower chance of developing breast cancer than those that walk less than 3 hours a week. The studies are still being conducted and may find further correlations between exercise and a lower cancer risk.

2. Improved Cognitive Function

Cognitive decline and conditions such as Alzheimer’s are on the rise in the Western world, and many believe this could be related to our reduced level of exercise. Studies continue to prove the benefit of walking for our mental health. For example, we know that just 20 minutes of walking in nature can lower our body’s primary stress hormone levels by 13.4%. And a Stanford study found that walking in natural surroundings can help to decrease negative thoughts and improve cognitive function.

3. Boost Immune System

In addition to seeing the benefits in terms of a lower cancer risk and greater cognitive abilities, those that walk in nature regularly can boost their immune system significantly. Walking in the woods for 2 hours, 2 days in a row can lead to a 50% boost in cells that fight diseases. This means that by simply taking a few half an hour walks per day twice a week, you can significantly lower your risk of disease for the years to come.

To discover more benefits to taking regular walks in local natural areas near you, take a look at the latest Physiomed infographic: