Diets high in fat and heaping food portions can pile on the pounds. Researchers at the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention now say that the suburban lifestyle contributes, too.
Suburban life couldn't exist without the car, which takes us to work and to the mall for shopping. A white-collar worker may never take more than a few brief steps between the house, car and the office. Television, videos and computers also conspire to keep us indoors after work rather than going for a stroll. Some housing developments even discourage walking because they don't have sidewalks.
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Researchers are now looking to see if suburban residents are fitter if they live in areas where parks and shopping areas lie within walking distance, the Electronic Telegraph reports.
Of course, anyone can make a conscious effort to add physical activity to their day to counter suburban sloth. For those who insist that exercise doesn't fit into their suburban lifestyle, a Washington Post feature deflates the most common excuses for not exercising.
Just 30 minutes of walking each day can help reduce weight and it's good for your heart, too. Here are some recommendations for beginner walkers:
Consult a doctor first if any medical conditions exist
Build up to a half-hour walk gradually
Wear comfortable shoes
Drink a glass of water before and after walking
Avoid long walks after meals
Set a gentle pace for the start and the end of each walk.
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