Walk it off

Looking to lose some weight? Walk it off.Feeling stressed or depressed? Walk it off. Need to lower your blood pressure? Walk it off.

Walking regularly can help you take off pounds,reduce stress, prevent depression, lower blood pressureand improve your overall health and fitness – and it’sfree! No drug offers so many benefits to your health.

Tips to get started■ Start with a short-term goal, such as walking for

10 minutes before or after work every day. ■ Gradually increase your minutes.■ Once it’s a habit, set a bigger goal, such as

walking briskly for at least 30 minutes a day. ■ Consider getting a step counter and aiming for

10,000 steps a day.■ Get a walking buddy to keep you energized and

motivated.

Before you start, talk to your doctor to make sure it’sokay for you to begin a walking program.

Find more walking tips online atwww.ProvidenceHealthPlan.com.

Save on walking shoesThe only “equipment” you need to start a walkingprogram is a good pair of shoes. Use your LifeBalancebenefits to get discounts on running, jogging orwalking shoes at several local stores. Search forparticipating stores at www.lifebalanceprogram.com. EDU-021