PEDAL YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHIER HEART & MIND

Bicycles are environment-friendly and great for exercise.

- MANOJ KUMAR JENA, OP

Regular cycle riding can improve heart health and help build muscle strength. Riding bikes also boost energy level and mood. Moreover, it is one of the most sustainable mode of transports without leaving any carbon footprints, and an excellent way to get around while exercising.

Every year, the World Bicycle Day is celebrated June 3 to promote the benefits of cycling and raise awareness about its sustainable importance to society. In 2018, the United Nations General Assembly dedicated this day to the highly eco-friendly mode of transport (bicycle), and the current year’s theme to celebrate the day is ‘Cycling for a Sustainable Future’.

Apart from contributing to sustainability, cycling plays a key role in enhancing both heart health and mental wellbeing.

“Not just for fitness, cycling is also recommended for patients suffering from chronic neurological conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease,” said Subhranshu Shekar Jena, Neurologist with Apollo Hospital, Bhubaneswar. “It helps the patients to improve their memory, reasoning and planning skills,” he added.