Live Healthy By Walking

Walking and Your Safety

I want to talk with you today about your safety when you walk.  I subscribe to Google Alerts on the topic of walking.  There are so many “news” items reporting that a person walking got beaten and rob; or, got hit by a car; or, even shot to death.  We don’t like to think about these things when we are out in God’s nature absorbing the beauty.

 

We just need to think about a few safety things as we enjoy our walk toward our healthy lifestyle.  Continue reading this post for safety precautions you need to be aware of during your walk:

 

1. Wear bright colored clothing during the day and try to get some kind of a reflective element for night time walking.
2. Carry a flashlight if you are walking at night in the dark.  Who does this?
3. Always be aware of the car, bicycles, motorcycles and other people who are sharing your path.
4. If you walk in a city and your state gives the pedestrian the “right-of-way” do not assume everyone thinks that is a good law.  Before you step off the curb, take a look in all directions to make sure you will be safe. 
5. This may sound strange to report; however, do you know how many walkers trip and fall because they are not looking down to make sure there are no hazards in the streets or sidewalks or paths.  Keep your eyes open and look down once in a while for your safety.   
6. Don’t plug up your ears when you walk with your favorite music – keep one ear open so you can hear anything unsafe on your path. 
7. Always let someone know that you are going for a walk.  In case you get lost or run into someone who does not love you but wants to cause you harm. It is best that someone knows you went for a walk and can help you, if necessary.
8. Take your cell phone in case you need to call someone in an emergency….health emergency or otherwise.
9. My daughter gave me a waist water bottle carrier along with a medium size pocket to put “stuff” in.  I have just started putting in my “stuff” pocket a list of phone numbers to call in an emergency….such as:  I put my daughter’s office and home telephone number.  I also put a list of medicines I take just in case someone may need that information.  I feel like the Tim Allen on the television show HomeImprovement with his tool belt.  In my belt you will find:  Water, Energy Bar, Cell Phone, Important telephone numbers in case of emergency; My House Keys; My Diabetic Moderator, just in case I need to check blood sugar and if I had one I would put my IPod with all types of music to listen to (in one ear only, right?).
10. I always wear my diabetes bracelet when I walk and you should wear any medical alert bracelet/necklace particularly if you walk alone.

Remember walking is safe, but it is my responsibility to remind you to keep yourself safe from elements that may cross your path once in a while.

.