Did you know that Las Vegas was recently named one of the top ten best cities for walking in the country? A study by Prevention magazine gave Las Vegas the distinction after evaluating a number of different criteria including the number of people who regularly walk, mass transit, low crime rates, mild year-round temperatures and the number of cultural attractions.

In addition to the environmental and economic benefits that walking provides, it can also prove to be very beneficial to your health. When performed as a regular activity, walking can aid in the prevention of stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure and strengthen the immune system, increase energy levels and manage weight.

There are many ways to incorporate walking into your daily routine. You can walk to work or the store instead of driving or you can make walking a part of your exercise program. The city’s Department of Leisure Services offers a number of walking activities including senior walking groups. Several walking groups are organized by the senior centers including the Doolittle 50-Mile Club Walking Group, which meets at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Doolittle Senior Center, the Hot to Trot Walking Club, which meets from 6 to 7:30 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center , the Walk and Talk Walking Club, which meets at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday at Howard Lieburn Senior Center, and the Derfelt Senior Center’s Walk To Be Fit Group, which meets from 8 to 9 a.m. on Wednesdays at Lorenzi Park.

In addition to walking clubs, many of the city’s parks and community centers offer trails and indoor tracks. A complete list of the city’s parks and community centers can be found on the parks and facilities Web page.