SantaCaliGon Days Run

WALKING AND RUNNING ARE GREAT EXERCISES!

The New England Journal of Medicine reports on a study of 8000 men; over a 12-year period, the study found that walking just two miles a day cut the risk of death almost in half; especially death from cancer. Those who walked infrequently were about 2 1/2 times more likely to die of cancer than were the two-mile-a-day men. These were men age 60 and above who appeared in good enough health to be able to walk. Those who did walk were less likely to die in the 12 years that followed.

Walking protects the heart and circulatory system by raising HDL, the good cholesterol, and keeping weight down. Experts suspect it may help prevent cancer by beneficial effects on the immune system and hormone levels, among other things. Walking also contributes to "regularity" which in turn reduces the risk of colon cancer.

You don't have to feel the burn. Just 30 minutes a day of walking brings as much risk reduction for heart attack as a high-intensity exercise program, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, 1999.

If you want to feel the burn try running. You'll receive the same benefits as walking but burn even more calories. Running burns more calories per minute than any other form of cardiovascular exercise. Dr. George Sheehan, a 70's author of running books, wrote the difference between a jogger and a runner was a signature on a race application.

Remember to check with your physician before starting an exercise program.

So, who wants to walk/run the Santa-Cali-Gon Days Run with me? I'm putting together a group to walk/run the 5K or the 10K. We'll probably get together a couple of times before the race to train. It's for a good cause - the Gloria Mengel Foundation and the educational and physical fitness programs for Messiah Lutheran School. Shirts are given to the first 200 participants who register and you'll even get breakfast afterwards! Email me if you want to join us and be sure to register at http://www.sportkc.org/sportkc.aspx?pgID=866&event_id=190

Encourage the ones you love (including yourself) to get out and walk or run regularly and remember to eat intentionally.