Why Walk?
Walking is one of the simplest ways to improve our health, our community cohesion and vibrancy, our economy, our environment, our transportation infrastructure, and the safety of all users of our streets. Study after study has documented the many benefits of walking. There are many, many websites chronicling the benefits of walking. Here are three selective resources if you want to learn more about these benefits.
America Walks
America Walks 501 (c) (3) is the national educational, advocacy, and technical support organization promoting walkable communities. It “believes in the power of communities to advance walkable, equitable, connected, and accessible places across the U.S. Working together we can create public spaces that allow people to safely walk and move.” BikeWalk Williamsburg is a local member of America Walks.
Walk With a Doc
Walk With a Doc “offers free walking programs in communities around the world led by local doctors, healthcare providers, or medical students. These ongoing events allow participants to safely walk (or roll), learn about current health topics, and meet new people”. A free Walking Guide is available from their website plus the Weekly E-News every Friday is a delight to read full of useful information and humor! Williamsburg has a local Walk With a Doc program led by Defiant Direct Primary Care.
Harvard Health Publishing
The next time you have a check-up, don't be surprised if your doctor hands you a prescription to walk. Yes, this simple activity that you've been doing since you were about a year old is now being touted as "the closest thing we have to a wonder drug," in the words of Dr. Thomas Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.