If you have a dog, did you know that he may actually help keep you more active?
It’s true; we started a pedometer challenge this week at my office. Competitors are split into teams, and log their steps everyday. The teams are tracked on a map of Canada, and whichever team crosses the country first wins.
Speaking to many of my co-workers I find that even those who don’t run daily do tend to take a daily brisk walk if they have a dog. If you don’t believe me, take it from Dr. Roland Thorpe of John Hopkins in Baltimore. Dr. Thorpe says, "Dog ownership, per se, does not equate to better health – [however] walking the dog appears to facilitate health benefits."
The good doctor’s study showed that out of the 2,533 seniors, who ranged in age between 71 and 82 years, the 394 dog owners that participated in the walking study walked 3 or more times a day, compared to participants who didn’t own a prancing pooch. Overall, Dr. Thorpe says the test shows that, "Dog owners who walk their dog are more likely to meet the U.S. Surgeon General's recommendation for physical activity…and fitness".
Overall, the pedometer challenge at my office has encouraged me and my co-workers to:
- Park further away and walk a few blocks to our office building
- To go for more frequent walks with their dogs (which means a happier mutt, and less messes in the house).
- To have your partner or spouse join you for walks (which encourages them to be more healthy as well).
- To encourage the kids to run around so that you can chase them (which means more fun time for you and your munchkins).
- To walk to mail a letter or go pick up milk – rather then drive.
- To get up off the couch to change the channel, in lieu of using the remote
- To get up from your desk to talk to a co-worker instead of using MSN or the phone.
Even if you don’t have a pet, maybe it’s time to seek a furry friend to walk in a volunteer manner. Visit your local animal shelter or veterinary clinic to see if you can walk one of their lovable adoptees.
I will be away all of next week on holidays. I’m heading up to my trailer in Ipperwash Beach for Thanksgiving weekend with my family. However I will be back on Monday, October 16th, with many new walking adventures to share with you.
I encourage all of you to get out there and hit the pavement. The fall weather has been brisk and cool in Ontario, but ideal for walking!
