(PCM+) 12-Month Healthy Challenge - Walk Your Way to Better Health

Story by Kelli Northcutt, Community Health Foundation Executive Director / Contributing Writer

The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.

I’ve never really been into physical fitness. I was not an athlete growing up, and I definitely lean more couch potato than fitness enthusiast. I’ve been a gym member and have taken classes in the past, but as my kids got older, finding dedicated time for all of the rigamarole of getting changed and actually to a gym never seemed to fit in my schedule. I have had to find physical activity that one, worked in my hectic life, and two, wasn’t too difficult that I would actually do it! The physical activity that has worked best for me has been walking! Yes, just good, old walking. 

Harvard Medical School published a special report called “Walking for Health” that said walking (and other forms of regular physical activity) may be “the closest thing we have to a wonder drug.” It can have a bigger impact on a variety of health issues than almost any other remedy available.