deep breaths with your shoulders back before you begin and then concentrate on your breathing while you walk. You'll be surprised how much farther you'll be able to walk this way.

3. Walking is an exercise that can tighten your Piriformis and hamstring muscles so I always recommend stretching before and after you walk. Sit on the floor or on your bed if it's difficult for you to sit on the floor with your legs extended out in front of you. Some people find it easier to sit on a folded blanket on the floor. Sit tall, inhale and gently bring your left knee up toward your chest. Then rest it down toward the floor. If it doesn't reach the floor, rest it on a pillow or blanket. Then inhale again, face your right leg and stretch your body down over the leg. Go only as far as you can comfortably go. You should feel the stretch, but not strain. Breathe deeply for 1 – 2 minutes and then release that knee and repeat on the other side.

4. You have heard me say this before, but I'm a fervent believer that laughter truly is the best medicine. Let's get out and enjoy the many lovely parks, beaches and recreation areas in the U.S. with our families and friends. Bring everyone together to walk, bike or drive until you find that perfect park bench or your favorite picnicking beach. Then you can read a funny story together, or each one can tell their favorite joke and everyone vote on which is the funniest, or bring a small boom box and listen to Bill Cosby, Robin Williams or anyone that you find particularly humorous.

Laughter is a gentle form of exercise. It enhances our core body work-out, and clears our breathing passages. It's an exercise for our lungs. This is really important for people who don't get regular aerobic exercise. When we laugh our bodies release endorphins (feel good hormones). These hormones can reduce stress, blood pressure, boost immunity and lift depression. Laughing just 10 minutes a day can decrease our risk of heart disease by 10%. Endorphins are also released when we are enjoying time with family and friends, or when we have feelings of gratitude for the many gifts in our lives. Even spending time with a pet can release those endorphins. Aren't we lucky to have so many ways to make ourselves healthier that are easy, fun, and don't cost a penny?

Here's a link to my laughing meditation sample video—laugh and enjoy!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4ULlHRB4ro