by David Payne

Created on: November 08, 2010

Only when our vehicles are out of action do we realize how much we depend on them. What was once seen as an essential form of long distance transport, has become more like a wheelchair for the mobile. Short daily trips to local shops are dealt with by a simple turn of a key and a pumping of a peddle. Today is a good time to make a change for the better and consider good enough reasons to alter this sedentary way of life.

With obesity levels on an ever upward curve now is the time to not be part of the statistics. Saving your car for journeys to work and essentials only, you will rediscover the benefits of walking. Cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, lung function and heart disease are all improved just by leaving the car keys at home and having a stroll. By choosing to have a ramble you will greatly add to the recommended total of ten thousand steps per day that is vital to keeping fit. Within as little as a few weeks will you realize that the freedom you misplaced in your motorized vehicle, was more a of prison than anything else. Improving fitness through walking will improve the practice of driving as well. Greater concentration and a calm disposition will replace road rage and high stress levels.

The majority of people can find it hard to cope financially in the current economic climate. Every dollar saved goes towards the greater good of keeping our heads above water. Using your own engine rather than one that needs constant refilling puts money in the pocket. Walking as much as possible will add years to the life of your car, the wear and tear that comes with constant driving is greatly reduced, thereby saving even more money. Therefore it is possible to prosper even in a recession if the decision to travel by foot is taken.

Perhaps the greatest sacrifice is not one of money or personal vitality, but for the good of the many. With every new driver adding to the current gridlock, pollution rates rise year on year. The health of the young and elderly suffering the most as a result of this so called freedom. Respiratory conditions in the young are especially on the rise, with Asthma rates reaching record figures. Choose to walk so that a young innocent child may breathe is not just an ideal, but an action we can all take that has a direct benefit to other peoples health. The less of a carbon footprint each and every person makes the more we leave for the children of tomorrow.

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