Walk Your Way to Better Health in 2009( BANNOCKBURN Ill. Dec. 30 /- For t...),Health

BANNOCKBURN, Ill., Dec. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- For the majority of Americans, maintaining gym memberships and expensive outdoor activities may become more difficult to afford as their primary ways to lose weight or stay in shape in 2009. But walking, one of the easiest and most cost-effective forms of exercise is the perfect activity to help achieve fitness goals and decrease your risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention recommends walking 10,000 steps a day to improve your overall health and fitness, help with weight loss and prevent chronic disease. While the majority of people recognize walking as one of the easiest ways to meet daily exercise targets, more than half of them are unaware of the CDC's recommended daily step count, according to an Omron Healthcare survey of fitness habits.

"Walking can be incorporated into your daily routine whether you choose to walk to your daily destinations such as work or the grocery store, walk your dog, or plan a longer walk outdoors," said Dr. Melina Jampolis, physician nutrition specialist, and author of The No-Time-to-Lose Diet. "Making just a small investment in a pedometer can help you add up all of the steps you're taking during the day to make sure you're reaching fitness goals."

Dr. Jampolis' wallet-friendly walking tips for better health in 2009:

1. Walk outdoors -- it's free! -- It doesn't cost a penny to walk to or from work, or develop a scenic route near your house that enables you to be safe and comfortable, while allowing you to take enough steps to add up to your 10,000 total. Remember to always share your route with another person for safety's sake.

2. Fancy walking clothes not necessary: wea
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