MDBCs 30 Mar 2024

Celebrated annually on March 30, the unofficial holiday encourages people to get active and enjoy the physical and mental benefits that come from walking in nature.

Better Health

Studies have shown that walking for about 30 minutes a day can have huge health benefits. Walking can not only help burn calories and reduce weight, but can also lower the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancers. It can also increase heart activity and lower blood pressure.

Reduces Stress and Boosts Mood

Walking in nature - away from the dust and pollution of streets and cars - can boost moods and reduce stress. Studies have shown that people who hike or walk in green areas tend to be happier than those who don't.

Take a Walk in the Park Day is also sometimes known as National Take a Walk in the Park Day in the United States.

How to Celebrate?

This one's easy. Wear your finest walking shoes, leave your phone behind and breathe in the fresh air as you walk around your local park.
Recruit a good friend or a fun family member to accompany you on your walk. What better way to enjoy nature and maintain your health than to share it with a loved one?

Did You Know...

...that the Northeast Greenland National Park in Greenland is the world's largest national park? Also the world's northern-most park, it covers around 375,000 square miles (972,000 square kilometers) of land.

***

Living in a dry county was the bane of my friend Robert's existence. He was complaining to me one day about having to make a 60-mile round trip to get his favorite brand of bourbon. "I buy it by the case," he said.

"Are you addicted to that stuff?" I asked.

Robert thought for a second. "I don't know. I've never run out."

***

Finishing up our work at a trade show in San Diego, my co-worker Maureen and I decided to go sightseeing across the border in Tijuana, Mexico. While there, we went shopping and bought a few pieces of clay kitchenware. As we crossed back into the United States, a customs official asked if we had anything of value to report.

"Not really," Maureen replied, digging in her bag for the bean crock she had purchased. Everyone around us froze as she continued, "I only bought a little pot."

***

My friend Ann and I were eating at a Chinese restaurant. When an elderly waiter set chopsticks at our places, Ann made a point of reaching into her purse and pulling out her own pair. "As an environmentalist," she declared, "I do not approve of destroying bamboo forests for throwaway utensils."

The waiter inspected her chopsticks. "Very beautiful," he said politely. "Ivory."

***

A group of Alaskan housewives had gotten together for morning coffee and, since several of us were pregnant, the talk drifted to babies and doctors.

One of the women announced that she was now going to a woman doctor. "At least," she said, "I'll be able to depend on my doctor being around during moose season!"