EXTENSION CORNER: Spring is perfect time to start gaining benefits from walking

Did you know that the first Wednesday of April each year is National Walking Day? What a great time of year to celebrate.

Our team at the Etowah County Extension Office was excited to celebrate. Our SNAP-Ed educator, Torie Ennis, had a great idea for taking part. She had us all bring walking shoes, and we took a lap around the parking lot.

Spring is a great time to build a walking habit. Did you know that there are tremendous health benefits to getting in your steps each day? Walking can help decrease the risk of many serious health issues. Walking can help lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol and even boost your energy.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that we try to hit 10,000 steps each day. While that seems like a lot, you can get them in a bit at a time.

Whether it is taking the steps at work, parking your car at the back of the parking lot or just taking a break from sitting to walk around the block, every step counts. A fun and engaging way to get some activity is to grab a couple of friends or family members and go for a walk and talk together.

Even if you missed the celebration of National Walking Day on Wednesday, try to make walking a priority this month and enjoy some of those wonderful health boosts as you get active and take a walk.

For more information on walking or any Extension programs, please reach out or stop by our office at 3200A W. Meighan Blvd., or visit us on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3otwUdl or online at https://bit.ly/3yniPCx.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Everyone is welcome! Please let us know if you have accessibility needs.

Eric Wright is extension coordinator for the Etowah County Extension Office.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: National Walking Day comes every April as a reminder of health benefits