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Mindfulness

It’s A Woman Thing: When Injury Strikes, Keep Moving!

For years I have considered myself a runner. For me, it was a form of meditation and the sense of well- being it provided was priceless. Not to mention, it kept my clothes fitting good and allowed me to indulge in various sweet treats once in a while without the worry! I enjoy being outdoors and moving; I could never get into going to a gym or using exercise equipment at home. The thought of stationary exercise was boring!

As I write this, I am no longer running. I developed hip pain back in February but I continued to run. I recognized that running really aggravated it. After much query, I remembered that I fell this winter and have since learned that I likely tore the ligament in my hip when I fell. I have been working with my chiropractor to heal the ligament and I have been making slow progress. He told me to stop running (not what I wanted to hear) but I could walk as much as I wanted. Since that time, I have become obsessed with getting 10,000 steps every day!! I read about it during National Women’s Health Week (Womenshealth.gov). Apparently, it is a campaign that is popular nationwide.

Did you know the average person walks 3,000-4,000 steps per day?

Walking 10,000 steps per day can help you burn an extra 400 calories! I have also discovered that it is fun, it’s good for my heart, it’s easier on my joints AND I can control my weight! The best part is I can do it anywhere. I have a new appreciation for being on my feet. I get a lot of steps walking throughout the hospital as part of my job, walking my dog, taking a Sunday stroll on the beach, and even going to the grocery store! Just for fun, I tracked my steps from my office to the bathroom down the hall – one way is 80 steps! I have become so connected to the idea that I just got a Fitbit to track my steps and other activities and I love it! Before that, I was using the health app on my iPhone, however it wasn’t much fun stuffing the phone into my jog bra straps just to walk the dog.

I hope to start running again someday, but in the meantime, my 10,000 steps obsession is working for me just fine! I have a new appreciation for movement, I am having fun, and I can still indulge in the occasional sweet treat.

What keeps you moving?

Bridget Buckaloo

Bridget Buckaloo

Bridget Buckaloo, MSN, is Executive Director of Women's Health Services at Beebe Healthcare.