WALKING FOR CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS : DIABETES

Walking continues to be confirmed as “the best medicine” for chronic physical and emotional conditions. In the West, one of the 10 most common chronic diseases is diabetes and health researchers predict this will grow to a point where 1 in 3 North American will be diabetic. Good reason for us to look at walking for diabetics.

 Diabetics are advised that regular daily walking of 30 minutes results in:
·    Improved glucose control. Exercise helps muscles absorb blood sugar, preventing it from building up in the bloodstream. This effect can last for hours or even days, but it’s not permanent. That’s why walking regularly is essential for continued blood glucose control.
·    Better cardiovascular fitness. Because people with diabetes are at increased risk for heart disease, this is an important benefit.
·    Weight control. Regular walking burns calories; this can help control weight, which in turn can reduce health risks. 

Also crucial for diabetics is the added attention they need to give to foot health. Proper shoes, regular care and treatment of wounds or “wear’n’tear” are critical. Because of the greater risk of a sugar-related event while walking, diabetic walkers should carry some emergency food and have an up-to-date medic alert identifier, like a bracelet or necklace. Such risks also make walking with some else more beneficial. Walking with others builds social links and contributes to one’s self-strength.

yours on the trail,
Ray

TRACKS

TRACKS
I received and just watched the DVD of the film, Tracks, which tells the story of Australian walker, Robyn Davidson who walked 1700 miles across the West Australian desert in 1977. She walked, with her Lab and 4 camels as her only regular companions.  The journey took over half a year and nearly cost her her life and her sanity.
We will be showing this film, along with Wild, which I mentioned a few weeks ago, and The Way as our features in a Walkers’ Film Fest in mid-April.
I looked at some of the actual photos from Davidson’s life and travel and the film has done a superb job of capturing her accomplishment and her unbelievable courage. Particularly powerful is the sub-plot of her relationship with her animals and her connection with the Aboriginal culture she passed through in the desert.
You’re invited to come and watch this film, and also join us for some walks and talks which will form part of this walkers’ weekend event. More to come.

Yours , on the journey,                           
Ray

Robyn Davidson writes  in her journal:
Many times since the trek I have been asked why I made it, and I answer that the trip speaks for itself. But for those who persist I would add these few thoughts. I love the desert and its incomparable sense of space. I enjoy being with Aborigines and learning from them.I like the freedom inherent in being on my own, and I like the growth and learning processes that develop from taking chances.

read all her comments here

EVERYBODY WALKS

I can't remember if I have praised this YouTube site recently. It is a video site connected with the larger Walking movement the USA, especially the site http://everybodywalk.org/  It contains a huge collection of videos related to walking. Some have to do with the health aspect of walking, particularly the excellent videos of Dr. Bob Sallis, one the the USA's loudest activity proponents and walking voices. Some have to do with mini-guides to great walks, such as the Great Walk around Manhattan Island. Then there are the others which include one of my favourites, a micro-talk by Matt Algeo about the history of pedestrianism. This features Matt's demo of the contrasting style of two of the greats of pedestrianism, Edward Payson Weston and Daniel O'Leary. Its worth the price of admission.
There is also a feature video called The Walking Documentary at  http://everybodywalk.org/documentary
Check'em out at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QzxxXm9Ph9U