“Exercise helps me to think better. When I come back from walking at lunch, it helps the day go better,” says Maria Hunt, registered nurse, Southern California Region.

Staying active enhances your ability to learn and remember. Walking can improve your brainpower by:

• Strengthening connections. A fit body’s brain can better store and process information.

• Resisting risk factors. Frequent walks reduce susceptibility to diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

• Defying inflammation. Walking daily protects against the body’s inflammation response, which can inhibit brain signals.

By walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week, you’ll be healthier and help keep your brain functioning well.