Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Even though walking in sand is more difficult, beach strollers tend to walk for a longer time because of the beauty of their surroundings.

Take time to explore the quiet beauty of the Forgotten Coast’s beaches on foot. Not only are you doing something healthy for your body, but your spirit as well.

Health Benefits of Walking on the Beach:

• The texture of the sand forces your muscles and tendons work over twice as hard as walking on a hard, flat surface
• Has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation
• Strengthens muscles and tendons in the legs and feet
• Burns significantly more calories than walking on a flat surface
• The sand exfoliates the dead skin from your feet as you walk
• Your body will use the sunlight to produce Vitamin D
• Strolling barefoot has many benefits, but for longer walks be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes to avoid potential shin splints and heel tendon pain.
• Since so many of our beaches are pet-friendly, it’s a great way to get exercise with your pup.

Walking on sand can be quite beneficial for your health. However, as with any new physical activity, you want to start slowly and increase your distance walked over time. Even walking can lead to injury if you go for too long or try to go for too great a distance before your muscles are ready.

Best Places to Walk on the Beach Along the Forgotten Coast

• St. George Island
• Cape San Blas
• Mexico Beach
• Dog Island
• St. Joe Beach

Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins for good health. Because it helps the human body use calcium from the diet, it is essential for strong bones. While it has many roles in the body, instructing the cells in the gut to absorb calcium and phosphorus is one of Vitamin D’s most essential functions.

Humans obtain vitamin D from sunlight and the food we eat. However, some people, including those with darker skin and those over the age of 65,are more at risk for being deficient in Vitamin D. While most people with a deficiency don’t experience symptoms, in extreme cases a lack of vitamin D can lead brittle, thin bones in a condition called rickets. With rickets the bone tissue fails to properly mineralize, which results in soft bones, in addition to skeletal deformities. Research continues to reveal that Vitamin D plays a major role in protecting the body against a number of health problems.

If you live in northern latitudes, are homebound, or wear head coverings or long robes for religious purposes, you may need to add more vitamin D-rich foods to your diet or take a supplement like cod liver oil. Some foods rich in Vitamin D include salmon, swordfish, cod liver oil, canned tuna, beef liver, egg yolks, sardines.

The Forgotten Coast of Florida is a great place to visit when you want to increase your Vitamin D levels. Hundreds of miles of beaches and trails, along with unforgettably quaint downtown areas and riverfront boardwalks provide perfect ways to spend time in the Florida sun.

Midday is the best time for being in the sun to boost Vitamin D. Remember to limit time in the sun and be sure to use protection when you aren’t trying to boost your Vitamin D levels. You should also consult your doctor for medical advice before making major health-related changes.

Vitamin D is known as the “Sunshine Vitamin” because when skin is exposed to the UVB rays of the sun, the body makes Vitamin D from cholesterol in the skin.

Serious Health Consequences Linked to Low Vitamin D Levels

• Osteoporosis
• Cancer
• Depression
• Muscle weakness
• Death