OKCIC is dedicated to reducing the risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease among Native American people of all ages. Along with the objectives of the Legacy Award, OKCIC is advocating Farmers Markets and promoting Walking Trails by providing links on its website.

To find local Farmers Markets click here.

To find great WalkingTrails in your area click here.

Benefits of Walking

Honoring the Gift of Heart Health Curriculum teaches a lifestyle of healthy eating of fruits, vegetables, low fat diary, unsalted nuts, whole grains and lean protein with regular exercise such as walking will reduce the risks associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Adults need at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day and children need one hour on most days.  The benefits of walking include improved blood pressure, improved blood sugar and losing weight.  

Walking is a proven way to reduce high blood pressure. Immediately after walking you may notice lower blood pressure, this is a natural response. Over time, people with hypertension have seen improved blood pressure.

Walking can lower blood sugar by 50 points!  A person with diabetes can see a blood sugar reading of 150mg/dl go to 100mg/dl by walking for 30 minutes.  After a regular routine of walking for a few weeks, many need less insulin or diabetes pills to control blood sugar.

Walking will burn calories and reduce weight, losing 1/2 to 1 pound a week. Losing weight will improve blood pressure and blood sugar.  A regular routine of walking has been found to keep the weight off.

When a person stops the routine of regular exercise, blood pressure and blood sugar goes up  and weight re-gain is seen, usually within a couple of weeks. The benefits of walking have a much better result when done as a routine over a long period of time.

For more information, call (405) 948-9400, ext. 297. 

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