“I just got back from hiking the Grand Canyon with my 22-year-old daughter,” says Teri O’Neal, registered nurse, Southern California Region. “It had been a dream of hers, but I didn’t think I’d be able to do it. However, since I’ve been thriving and walking daily, I was able to complete a 10-hour day hike! Not bad for an ‘old lady.’ It feels good to be able to challenge myself and be up to it!”

A walking lifestyle has so many advantages:

• Better than weight loss alone. The physiological benefits of walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week is better for your health than losing 20 pounds alone.

• Good for bones. Walking strengthens bones and helps prevent osteoporosis — 120 to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity lowers hip fracture risks by 55 percent in women.

• Beneficial for mind and spirit. Walking is known to reduce anxiety, boost self-confidence, and counteract mild depression. It can also reverse brain shrinkage and sharpen memory.

With each step, you’re headed in the right direction toward wellness. Knowing your numbers, such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and BMI, is also a step toward good health. If you’re a KP member, you can view most lab results via My Health Manager on kp.org.