Putting Your Best Foot Forward | 5 Reasons Why Walking is Good For You
To walk is to be human. Over the last 6 million years walking has enabled us to travel great distances, while surviving changing climates, environments and landscapes. Today, we also know it to play a beneficial role in our overall health and wellbeing.
If you are keen to adopt a new approach to fitness, looking for a way to enhance your self-care, or simply want a new hobby, walking is the perfect place to start. There are numerous rewards that come from taking as little as 30 minutes from your day to get walking -- a better night’s sleep, a better mindset, to increased fitness level.
Walking also offers numerous health benefits to people of all ages and fitness levels, having been shown to improve everything from heart and lung health, to brain power and memory. Another awe-inspiring fact is if done regularly, walking or the equivalent 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week, could save 37,000 lives each year.
Still need convincing that the humble walk is more like a superhero in disguise, check out our top 5 benefits of walking below.
Reduces your risk of health conditions
Walking can help reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and stroke.
It’s great for your mental health
Physical activity and mental health are often linked, and an increase in exercise can significantly boost your wellbeing. Regular physical activity can increase our self-esteem and can reduce stress and anxiety. Even a short burst of 10 minutes’ brisk walking increases our mental alertness, energy and positive mood.
Walking can help you reconnect with nature and the world around you
With so much of our lives now spend online, we’re all guilty of having our head stuck in our phones and laptops. Spending as little as 20 minutes as day outside, at a local park, or simple in the garden makes people happier than those who don’t. Walking also gives you the chance to explore the world around you, which you might otherwise miss when driving or cycling.
It can be a solo activity or a chance to spend time with loved ones
If meditation is something you enjoy, but find sitting in total silence too difficult, why not think of a morning walk as your daily dose of mindfulness? Equally, walking can be a chance to connect with family and friends, the perfect pursuit for any day of the week -- we recommend a picnic or afternoon tea afterwards!
It’s better for the environment
Walking instead of driving means you’re reducing the amount of pollution released into the air, which helps to improve the air quality -- that’s got to be a win, win!
In need of some inspiration for your next outing, the National Trust discovered the nations favourite walks from all over the country.
The UK also boasts some beautiful landscapes and hidden paths that are begging to be explored. So if it’s a scenic view that will get you to grab your walking boots, then check out the top 10 most beautiful walks here.
When it comes to walking, from mountain hikes, to afternoon perambulations along the river, we always make sure we’re wearing cooling comfortable Boody. Here are some of our top Boody picks for your next outing.
Longer, mountainous walks on uneven ground call for a sturdy pair of walking boots, pair with our Work Boot Socks to ensure feet stay comfortable all day long. And on colder hiking days when there’s a chill in the air, our Boody Leggings and Long Sleeve act as an ideal base layer to keep the cold at bay.
When all you have time for is a lunchtime stroll, our Active Socks and V-Neck T-shirt are perfect teamed with your favourite jeans or office trousers.
Time to put your best foot forward and get in those steps!
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How To Check Your Breasts
What’s the first thing you think to look for when you hear the phrase ‘check your breasts’? It’s often the idea that you’re looking for a lump. Right? Did you know that there are actually 12 symptoms of breast cancer that can help you be more confident to report a persistent breast change? We bet you also didn't know that the changes to look out for are very similar for both women and men. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK. Around 55,500 women and 370 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. It’s estimated that 1 in 7 women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime but over 25% of breast cancer cases are thought to be preventable. As a brand that creates intimates - it seemed fit for us to use our platform to talk to breast cancer UK and use the month of October to simply be breast aware - because if you grow them, you should know them. So, what should my breasts feel like? Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that only you can really know your breasts. The way breasts look and feel will vary for every person. That is why it is so important to be breast aware as this will ensure you can acknowledge a change - if there is one. Remember, October is a reminder to check your breasts - but checking should be made part of your monthly routine. “Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.” SOURCE: NATIONALBREASTCANCER.ORG What are the 12 symptoms? The following 12 signs are things to be aware of. Yes, sometimes it is just your body but a change noticed that is persistent - is best checked by your doctor. It is important to note, different people have different symptoms of breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all. New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit) Thickening or swelling of part of the breast Irritation or dimpling of breast skin Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area Nipple discharge other than breast milk Any change in the size or the shape of the breast Changes in the shape of the nipple Pain in any area of the breast Growing veins Nipple retraction Thickening of the nipple or breast skin How should A breast self-exam be performed? In the Shower With the pads/flats of your 3 middle fingers, check the entire breast and armpit area pressing down with light, medium, and firm pressure. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, hardened knot, or any other breast changes. In Front of a Mirror Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead. Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling, or dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women’s breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes, particularly on one side. Lying Down When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently covering the entire breast area and armpit. Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast. What does a lump feel like? A new lump is one of the most common signs of breast cancer. Lumps that are breast cancers can vary. For example, they may be painless or painful. Lumps can also be a sign of a benign (non-cancerous) breast condition. However, if you have found a new lump or breast change, it is important to see your doctor so that it can be checked by a health professional. When should I see a doctor? A breast change doesn't always mean it is ‘cancer’. However, being breast aware is invaluable and if you do see a sign, have a symptom, don't feel right or simply just want to be sure - we encourage it! Early detection gives the best possible chance of survival if you are diagnosed with breast cancer. It is important to remember that breast awareness does not replace having regular mammograms and other screening tests as recommended by your doctor. Some people diagnosed with breast cancer have signs or symptoms. However, some women have no signs/symptoms and the breast cancer is found during a screening mammogram. When am I eligible for mammogram screening? In the UK the NHS offers free mammograms to women between 50 and 71, every three years. If you experience any breast symptoms or unusual changes, see your doctor without delay. If you have a strong family history or you are concerned that you may have an increased risk of breast cancer, always talk to your doctor. Your doctor will help you assess and manage your breast cancer risk and will advise of any additional precautions or screening you may require. So, do men get breast cancer? So many people assume breast cancer affects women only. Breast cancer affects both men and women, because men and women both have breast tissue. About 370 men are diagnosed in the UK every year. If you are a man or are reading this and have men in your life - it is important to make them always aware and let them know that if there are any new and unusual changes to their breasts - they should be aware and seek attention. SOURCES: HTTPS://NBCF.ORG.AU/ABOUT-BREAST-CANCER/DETECTION-AND-AWARENESS/BREAST-CANCER-SYMPTOMS/, HTTPS://WWW.NATIONALBREASTCANCER.ORG/BREAST-SELF-EXAM, HTTPS://WWW.BREASTCANCER.ORG/SYMPTOMS/TESTING/TYPES/SELF_EXAM, HTTPS://NBCF.ORG.AU/ABOUT-BREAST-CANCER/BREAST-CANCER-STATS/; HTTPS://WWW.BREASTCANCERUK.ORG.UK
