Walking Tips

Staying Motivated

• Find opportunities to walk throughout the day-walk on your break time, in the evening or to run errands
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator
• Set walking goals and keep track of how much you are walking
• Use a pedometer and gradually increase distance, speed and time as you progress
• Vary walking routes and try new trails
• Participate in community walking events

Be Safe

Walkers should:

• Carry identification, a cell phone and a whistle
• Bring water
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and bright, reflective clothing
• Dress for the weather
• Cross streets at traffic lights, stop signs or crosswalks-always walk facing traffic
• Avoid using headphones and cell phones while walking
• Tell someone where you are going
• Check the Air Quality Health Index and UV index before you start your walk
• Be sun safe

Discomfort is your body’s ways of telling you that something is not quite right. If you feel discomfort while walking stop walking immediately, drink small sips of water and move to a shaded area to cool down and recover.

If after stopping, the symptoms continue, call 911 or see a healthcare provider immediately. If you have had any of these symptoms, you should also speak with your healthcare provider before you start walking again.