I have multiple sclerosis. My name is Casey Keith, and I was born in Ventura. In 2012, I woke up blind in my left eye and paralyzed from the chest down. The diagnosis came shortly after my father, Reed, was murdered at his computer repair business (eChaps, Inc.) in Lancaster in 2012. I weighed 517 lbs then and owned three businesses in Lancaster, CA.
Using the ketogenic diet, I lost 384 lbs in 19 months. For the first 42 days, I did a water-only fast and walked 10,000 steps a day through Burbank. Walking for weight loss became a crucial part of my journey, helping me shed the pounds and improve my physical health. The benefits of walking daily are immense, from increasing cardiovascular fitness to strengthening bones, reducing excess body fat, and boosting muscle power and endurance. Walking for mental health also played a significant role in my recovery.
When COVID-19 hit, my ability to walk was hindered, leading to a decline in my health. Now, in 2024, I rely on a walker full-time and need the aid of my girlfriend, Meki.
Walking Challenges and Motivation Tips
Walking has been an integral part of my life. Initially, walking 40 minutes a day helped me immensely. However, with my health declining, walking challenges became more apparent. It is important to understand the benefits of walking daily and how much weight one can lose by maintaining a regular walking routine.
Walking in nature, whether it’s a stroll or a brisk march, provides a sense of tranquility and mental clarity. For those looking to lose weight, walking for 20 to 30 minutes or more each day can significantly aid in weight loss and improve overall health. Walking motivation tips include setting achievable goals, finding a walking buddy, and exploring new trails and terrains to keep the routine exciting.
The Journey of Ambulation
The journey of ambulation is varied. Whether wandering through urban landscapes or trekking rural paths, each step counts. Walking helps older adults with cognitive skills, making it a beneficial activity for people of all ages. Strolling along different routes, be it a footpath, road, or trail, provides different experiences and challenges.
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don’t have the strength.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Walking for 30 minutes a day can burn a substantial number of calories. One’s gait and stride, the pace at which one moves, and the terrain one navigates all contribute to the overall effectiveness of walking as an exercise.
The Impact of Physical Activity on Multiple Sclerosis
I have multiple sclerosis, and maintaining physical activity has been crucial in managing my symptoms. Ambulatory efforts, whether a light saunter or a vigorous march, have helped me maintain a degree of mobility and independence. Using aids like a walker or cane, I traverse short distances and engage in perambulation to keep my muscles active.
Despite the challenges, the journey continues. Walking in various forms—ambling, wandering, treading—has been my way of fighting back against the limitations imposed by multiple sclerosis. Each barefoot step, whether on urban pavements or rural trails, is a testament to resilience and the will to keep moving forward.
Embracing the Wanderlust Spirit
I find joy in each pedestrian journey. Whether a short stroll or a longer hike, moving, advancing, and navigating through different terrains offers freedom. Walking challenges may slow me down, but the motivation to explore and the benefits of walking daily keep me going.
From the days of striding confidently to the current reality of navigating with a walker, my journey with multiple sclerosis has been one of perseverance and adaptation. Each step, each stride, is a victory over the disease that tried to halt my progress.