New study: Put on your walking shoes

A walk a day keeps the doctor away. Really! A new study says if you want to live longer, get moving.

As little as 75 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (aka a brisk walk) lowers the risk of death from certain types of cancer and heart disease. The CDC recommends 150 minutes a week, but good to know that just half gets the job done.

Huffin’ and puffin’

How hard should you be working? The CDC says you’re at the right intensity when you can speak but not sing. 

⌚ If you have a smartwatch or app that monitors your heart rate, you’re looking for about 50 to 60% higher than when resting.

Do what feels right for you

HOW you get to 75 minutes a week is up to you. About 10 minutes daily works just as well as one long walk. I prefer to get out there most days of the week. My walk time is my me-time!

🎧 Need something to keep you entertained? Catch up with my podcast! Three episodes a week and you’ll blast past that 75-minute exercise goal.

🤠 In the Old West, cowboys traveling home in the dark used to tie a lantern to their horse’s saddle to help them find their way. It was an early form of saddle-light navigation.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Shark attack hotspots revealed in new research

Hey there, ocean lovers! Who doesn’t love a good day at the beach, right? The sand, the surf, and, of course, a refreshing dip in the ocean. It turns out there’s more to the sea than meets the eye. Cue the “Jaws” theme.

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Watch a paralyzed man walk again

A man paralyzed in a cycling accident is walking again, thanks to a chip that reads his brain waves and stimulates his spine. After a decade, he can stand, climb stairs and walk with a little help. Amazing!

Summer sandals for everyone

Comfortable, cooling and cool-ish footwear for kicking around the yard, beach and beyond.

  • Arizona dupes: If you like the look of Birkenstocks but not the price, these faux leather versions by Cushionaire are 40% off ($29.99) and come in lots of good colors. These are so in right now for men and women.
  • Slip in and slide: Swap out your regular Crocs for summer Crocs. These unisex slides are so comfy and up to 41% off ($20.64). 
  • Walking on clouds: Pillow slippers look silly until you put them on, and then there’s nothing funny about them. Heaven. These unisex slides are 15% off ($20.38).
  • Fellas’ fancy flops: Add some khakis and a collared shirt to these faux leather flip-flops, and you’re dressed for dinner. Right now, snag a pair for 30% off ($13.99).
  • Ladies’ fancy flops: Cute Birkenstock-esque women’s thongs in faux leather with an adjustable buckle. Choose from five colors (love the light gray). They’re all 25% off ($22.49).
  • Hey there, dude: Andrew Babinski loves his HEYDUDE shoes. I’m not a fan, but I’ve heard from both men and women that these shoes are super comfy.

💡 Pro tip: Sometimes, Amazon’s pricing can vary by size — rude! If you find your size is more expensive, click through other available colors to find a lower price.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

The agony of de feet: Scientists have created robotic shorts that help people walk farther using less energy. WalkON wraps around your waist with a harness and has artificial Kevlar tendons that attach to your legs. As you walk, the shorts analyze your movement patterns and help take the strain off your hips. So many people will benefit from this cool tech.

Up to 11 years

Added to your life with a daily walk. The correlation between physical activity and mortality for folks over 40 is about twice as strong as we once thought. OK, time to go get my steps.

Stepping it up: Newer, better ways to think about step counters

Bring up “Gettin’ my steps in!” casually, and everyone knows what you’re talking about. Step counters (from Apple Watch to a pedometer app) work like a little Jiminy Cricket on our shoulders, not just counting steps but reminding us to stay as active as possible throughout the day.

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15 affordable products you didn't know you needed

There are tons of little ways technology can impact our lives. Get enough gadgets, and they add up to a significantly improved quality of life. With our list of affordable products you didn’t know you needed, you don’t have to worry about the little things anymore.

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Google Maps upgrade: You can now chat with the app to find things to do, restaurants to visit and nearby attractions, all with reviews. You’ll see detailed parking info near your destination and walking directions when you exit your car, too.

13% risk reduction

Of cognitive decline by just exercising once a week. Even a 30-minute walk positively impacts your brain. If you can’t make it outside, take your calls or watch a show on a walking pad. You can do this!

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

11 minutes

Of brisk walking each day can add years to your life and lower your chances of cardiovascular disease. It also improves your mood, increases energy levels and burns calories. Stuck inside? You can use a walking pad while watching TV. (This one’s 45% off!). Pro tip: You’ll have more fun walking if you take me with you — just tune into my podcast on your next stroll!

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

10K Japanese character vs. running man
Amber Reeves | Komando.com, © Krupal Ghori | Dreamstime.com
Amber Reeves | Komando.com, © Krupal Ghori | Dreamstime.com

No one knows for sure, but 10,000 steps per day might be the suggested standard based on the Japanese character for 10,000. Looks like someone running or walking to me.

20x more

Calories burned walking up a flight of stairs than on flat ground. Even going downstairs is more effective — five times the burn of a regular walk. Related: Today, I learned there’s such a thing as the Stairclimbing World Championships. I think they’re up to something.

21% less likely

You’ll experience osteoarthritis if you ride a bike instead of walking. Life is wheelie good, because this healthy habit can significantly reduce knee pain and even help you live longer … and not be two‑tired.

Between a rock and a creeper: A family in Southern California found a camera disguised as a rock pointed at their home. Footage showed the scooter-riding culprit planting it — while wearing garden gloves and a motorbike helmet. Theories range from someone casing their house for a burglary (or worse) to someone trying to watch the family’s kids walking home from school. Scary.

Dead man walking: On the dark web, Incognito Market sold illegal drugs, firearms and more. Its owner said everything was anonymous. Nope. He closed it down and is threatening to hand over all buyers’ and sellers’ names to law enforcement — unless they pay him a ransom. His biggest customers? Drug cartels.

“The Simpsons” called it again: Back in 2016, an episode showed Mr. Burns unleashing a VR headset that looked just like the Apple Vision Pro. What went down? Chaos. Folks in Springfield started walking around with these headsets on, crashing into lampposts and falling into manholes. See the pics here.

11 must-have pet products dog and cat owners swear by

Fluffy and Fido aren’t just pets. They’re family. So why not treat them to a few new toys and maybe even some tech now and then?

Our furry friends only get about a decade with us, so it just makes sense to shower them with all the love, toys and treats we can. They love us unconditionally, so the least we can do is spoil them, right?

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