Walking and The Economy: Your Confident Steps

At an intersection of WALKING and THE CURRENT ECONOMY stands an unlikely figure...Forbes publisher Rich Karlgaard. His 3-minute Talk Back segment on "10 Things I Do to Stay Optimistic" unknowingly encourages us (the ones who walk for our health) thusly: "#3 – Eat right, get enough sleep and EXERCISE...But forget the gym! Go OUTSIDE. Feel the brisk air on your cheeks."

Thanks, Rich, for this advice from the business sector. I'll take an affirmation of walking--to boost optimism or for any other good reason--wherever I can get it ;).

In the meantime, Rich's piece weaves in basic ideas about economic concerns as he also quotes Helen Keller: "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." And so, Rich reminds us that what holds true for your economic health may well be true for your physical well-being. Optimistically speaking, walkers who cultivate the hope of better health through walking -and- who exude confidence in our ability to sustain a daily habit of walking, will achieve our goals.

In interviews, Karlgaard has said he's a shy Midwesterner but he's obviously mastered the art of reaching out and communicating in 4 minutes or less. If you'd like to partake of more of his banter about business topics with an occasional smattering about the rest of life, start by clicking here.

Manual link: http://video.forbes.com/fvn/talkback/rk_vlog031009

Here's to Our Confident and Optimistic Steps
(on the walking path and in our lives moving forward),
Liz

Your Brain on A Walk

If you need extra encouragement to keep walking or get walking, consider the health of your brain! Scientists say exercise for your body IS exercise for your mind. And exactly who are these research types? Take a look at the SharpBrains website to see articles by four of them.

(Once on the home page, scroll down to the "Physical Exercise" section--The Science of Exercise and Brain Health by Dr. Pascale Michelon; Exercising the Body is Exercising the Mind -and- Brain Virtues of Physical Exercise by Dr. Adrian Preda; and, Waltzing Your Way to Physical and Mental Health by Caroline Latham).

The current explosion of brain-aging-health stories in the media is hard to escape so if you'd like to get a quick idea of what all the buzz is about, here's a clip found on my new favorite source for health videos, the Inspire website. (My old faves for health info in video form are still CNN Health and About.com).

With a tip of the hat to activities that stimulate discussion, reflection and, therefore, our brains, here are my three questions about the ideas shared above. Email walktopia at gmail dot com and let me hear from you!

(1) All this focus on my aging brain spurred me to dig out my husband's Nintendo DS-Lite and play a round of Brain Age! What does the current spotlight on 'brain health' spur you to do?

(2) Do you use Internet video as a source for health information? If so, what are YOUR fave sites?

(3) Before reading this blog post, what were your thoughts about the connection between your walking and your cognitive function? Now, do you consider your walks beneficial to brain wellness?

Walk Smart (pun intended),
Liz