Taking a walk while enjoying your favorite music or podcast can be a great experience, but can it really improve your health? The truth is that even small lifestyle changes, like walking a little more every day, can have a big impact on your health. In fact, your daily step count is an important indicator of overall health. Read this also Walking 10,000 steps every day? Fitness expert says avoid these 10 common walking mistakes that limit its benefits
Dr Dmitry Yaranov, a cardiologist from Tennessee, US, known as ‘Heart Transplant Doctor’ on Instagram, highlighted this in an October 22 Instagram post, saying, “We measure pulse, breathing, temperature and blood pressure – but the most powerful of these signals may be hiding in your phone.”
Your daily step count is an ‘X-ray of your heart’
In his post titled ‘The vital sign that your doctor never measures but your phone measures every day’, Dr. Yaranov talked about the importance of daily step count as a vital sign, and said that it is an indicator of overall health, reflecting the heart, brain, nerves, joints and motivation.
He said: “Counting your daily steps isn’t just about fitness. It’s an X-ray of your heart, brain, nerves, joints and motivation – all working together. When your steps drop, it’s rarely random. It’s your body whispering that something is wrong.”
‘Movement is medicine’
Dr. Yaranov suggested that a decline in step count could be an early warning sign of underlying issues such as frailty, depression or vascular disease. He said that step counting can be considered as the fifth vital sign, and that movement is medicine. Body vital signs are basic measurements of essential body functions, including temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.
“Frailty, depression, vascular disease – all of these leave footprints in your step data. It’s the only ‘vital sign’ that reflects both biology and willpower. Maybe it’s time to admit: movement is medicine. And counting your steps could be your fifth vital sign,” he said.
Increasing your daily step count may seem overwhelming or time-consuming, but with a few simple lifestyle changes and modifications, you can easily reach your fitness goals. Click here to see some tips for increasing your step count.
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This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
