Walking is known to be beneficial for health, yet fewer and fewer people are walking these days. What are the reasons for this? What can be done to address this problem?

In the developed world most families have cars. They don’t walk even to the nearest grocery store. In the developing world, too, people are giving up the

habit

of walking because they have easy access to public transport systems. We all seek comfort. Walking on foot can be tiring. Needless to say, people prefer to travel by buses or cars whenever they have access to them. Motor vehicles are fast and

thus

they

also

help save time. Unfortunately,

this

habit

of using the car or bus has several negative consequences. Most of us now spend hours in the

office sitting

Accept comma addition

office, sitting

in front of a computer. Because of

this

sedentary lifestyle, we have developed many

health

problems like obesity, diabetes and heart trouble. We can avoid most of these lifestyle diseases by simply walking for 30 minutes a day. Many people who have given up the

habit

of walking are unaware of the

health

problems they face. The government and

health

workers need to create awareness among the general public about the benefits of walking. People who use a car should park their vehicle farther from their office and take steps

instead

of the elevator. Children too should be encouraged to walk to school. Once they get used to

this

habit

, they are more likely to stick to it in the future too. To conclude, lack of time and the need for comfort are the reasons that prevent people from walking.

However

, most of us will start walking again if we are aware of its

health

benefits. So, creating awareness is the key. The government and the media can play an important role in

this

.