No thanks, I’ll Walk

I remember going to the mall with my family when I was young and winding our car in and around aisles and aisles of parked cars. We were determined that our arrival would be impeccably timed with another’s departure and we would have the best parking spot in the lot.

I remember vividly that on one occasion my grandmother was with us. After several minutes on our persistent search for “the” space, she impatiently said, “Do you mean you ran five miles this morning but you’re concerned with getting a space to save you a few feet of walking?” Oh, how I miss my Nonna and her infinite wisdom!

So, seriously people, if you are taking a four-wheeler to get your mail, or using the elevator to avoid one flight of stairs, you may have a problem. Unless you have a handicapped sticker on your car, or are collecting disability, there are NO more excuses.

Have you ever wondered how many extra calories you might burn if you purposely park further away from the grocery store, drug store or shopping center? Imagine the benefits of just opting out of the “short cuts.”

My point is this—every little bit helps. The walk to get the mail, the steps in the mall instead of the escalator or the stroll from the distant parking space; they can all cause a slow, perhaps painless shift in your overall physical health.

For health and wellness questions email: suzanne_mcginnis@bellsouth.net