22 Feb Obesity is top cause for joint replacements

As if people need any more reasons to keep their weight down, here’s one more: the leading cause for needing joint replacements is obesity.
That makes sense because if you’re overweight, that means your joints are having to support more weight than they’re supposed to. Extra wear and tear over time will take its toll.
The best way to keep your weight down is by eating a healthy diet and exercising.
If you’re overweight, even just walking three times a week for 30 minutes can begin to improve your health.
Walking is excellent for your circulation, and boosts metabolism. It’s been proven over and over that walking burns calories, increases the metabolism and in turn helps you lose weight. Combined with healthy eating, how much cardio activity you do and other factors like age and weight, you could lose 2-4 pounds a week after starting a walking program.
Walk on a treadmill or around your neighborhood.
Here are five more reason why walking is healthy for you:
1. Numerous studies have shown that walking regularly can lower risk factors for things like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
2. It relieve stress – Walking is one of the most fun and easiest ways to relieve stress.
3. You‘ll get stronger. Walking over time will help you develop more muscle tone in your legs, tighten your tush and strengthen your core.
4. It’s fun. Walking in a group is fun and relaxing.
It can be done almost anywhere. If it’s nice out walk on your street or at a park. If the weather is bad, or it’s late at night, walk inside on your treadmill.
5. You can support a good cause. OK, your good health is an obvious cause, but check your local events calendar in the newspaper or online for many walking fundraisers.
What are you waiting for, go for a walk right now!

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com