Recent travels in mid August 2011 took me south of the Equator to gorgeous Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I spoke at the Brazilian Congress on Nutrition and Physical Activity. I talked about the importance of regular exercise for health and specifically focused on how walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week can have a tremendous impact on our total health. I also introduced attendees to the Every Body Walk! campaign, which continues to grow every day.

Of course, I also took time to get outside for a daily walk. Rio is a beautiful city with wide, sparkling beaches right on the Atlantic Ocean ringed with spectacular mountains. A beautiful pedestrian path made of mosaic panels parallels the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. This time of year, temperatures in Rio are in the high 70s – perfect for a 30 minute stroll.

Wherever you live or travel, I encourage you to take time for a daily walk. Just 30 minutes a day, five days a week can make a tremendous difference for your health and life. Every Body Walk!