MAY 20248In My OpinionLinda Rusiecki DPT, Inpatient Rehabilitation Educator, Clinical Rehab Practice, Corewell HealthByWalking strengthens the legs, improves balance, boosts cardiovascular function, and builds joint integrity. People who walk regularly have better immune systems, sleep, digestion, and body composition. Blood sugar, lipid, and cholesterol levels improve with walking. Your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic diseases decreases significantly when regular walking is part of your lifestyle.Walking is so much more than this, though. It affects your mental health, your spiritual self, and your sense of connection and belonging. When you walk with a loved one, you can engage in meaningful conversation and build a relationship. Walking allows you to quietly take in the sights and sounds of your environment, connecting you to nature and your community. It can be your chance to center yourself as you listen to music, a book, or a podcast. Few things are more devastating than losing your ability to walk. We take walking for granted and don't even realize how much we rely on our legs. Once lost, there is no price that a patient would not pay to regain this ability.I spent eleven years of my career as a Physical Therapist working in THE HUMAN BODY IS DESIGNED TO WALK; IT THRIVES WHEN IT WALKSLinda Rusiecki DPT
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