In our quest for better health, one common question arises: how many steps should we take daily? Renowned osteopathic physician Dr. Joseph Mercola provides insight into the ideal daily step count necessary to enhance overall health, mental well-being, and longevity.
The Popular 10,000-Step Rule
Many fitness advocates promote the ‘10,000 steps a day’ target, but is this the best number for everyone? It may vary across different lifestyles and age groups, as Dr. Mercola elaborates in his latest social media post.
Steps for Mental Health
- 5,000 steps daily: Reduces depressive symptoms.
- 7,000 steps daily: Significantly lowers the risk of future depressive episodes.
Steps for Heart Health
- 2,800 steps daily: Decreases cardiovascular disease risk by 11%.
- 7,200 steps daily: Cuts the risk in half, reducing it by 51%.
Steps for Longevity
- 2,600 steps daily: Lowers the risk of all-cause mortality by 8%.
- 8,800 steps daily: Can reduce this risk by an impressive 60%.
Tips to Increase Your Step Count
Shazia Shadab, a lead physiotherapist, shares practical suggestions to help individuals increase their daily steps:
- Set achievable goals, starting with smaller numbers and gradually increasing.
- Incorporate short walk breaks throughout your day.
- Use a step tracker to motivate yourself and keep tabs on your progress.
- Opt for stairs instead of elevators.
- Walk while talking on the phone to combine activity with daily routines.
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. For more insights, visit the full article on Hindustan Times.
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