888-765-5400Walk your Way to Wellness
Did you know that walking will not only trim your waistline, but also improve your health? It’s true. You can actually walk your way to wellness. Physical activity doesn’t need to be complicated and something as simple as a daily brisk walk can help you live a healthier life. Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC promotes physical fitness and an active lifestyle, resulting in less health problems and a healthier you.
BCBSNC is committed to making sure you are as healthy as you can be and preventive care and wellness maintenance are a big part of every BCBSNC health plan. Simple, low impact, and highly effective, walking is a wonderful way to stay well!
Keep in mind that the faster and farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits. It is also important to consider your technique when walking your way to health and fitness. Turning your normal, everyday stride into a fitness walk requires good posture and purposeful movements. Also, don’t forget that walking with a friend or even your pet is not only a good safety measure, but also good to help keep you motivated to maintain a fitness routine.
Some benefits to regular, brisk walking include:
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Preventing or managing various health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes
- Strengthening your bones
- Lifting your mood
- Improving your balance and coordination
Ideally, here is how you should look when walking:
- Your head is up and you are looking forward, not at the ground.
- Your neck, shoulders and back are relaxed, not stiffly upright.
- You are swinging your arms freely with a slight bend in your elbows. A little pumping with your arms is OK.
- Your stomach muscles are slightly tightened and your back is straight, not arched forward or backward.
- You are walking smoothly, rolling your foot from heel to toe.
Also, as you start your walking routine, remember to do the following:
- Get the right gear. Choose shoes with proper arch support, a firm heel and thick, flexible soles to cushion your feet and absorb shock. If you walk outdoors when it’s dark, wear bright colors or reflective tape for visibility.
- Choose your course carefully. If you plan to walk outdoors, avoid paths with cracked sidewalks, potholes, low-hanging limbs or uneven turf.
- Warm up. Walk slowly for 5 to 10 minutes to warm up your muscles and prepare your body for exercise.
- Cool down. At the end of your walk, walk slowly for 5 to 10 minutes to help your muscles recover.
- Stretch. After you cool down, gently stretch your muscles. If you’d rather stretch before you walk, remember to warm up first.
- If you are beginning an exercise routine for the first time, it is always a good idea to consult your physician
To enjoy all the benefits Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has to offer, get your free rate quote here and become a part of the BCBSNC family.
For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our professional agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). It would be our pleasure to help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of Obamacare. Call us for details.