If you're a fast walker, you're likely to live longer. The correlation between walking speed and lifespan has been widely studied and is a good indicator of our general physical condition and the number of years that we are able to enjoy optimum health. "It is a wonderful predictor," says, Dr. Cliff Bleustein, Global President and CEO of AposHealth, a home based exercise program aimed at helping patients with their mobility. In this episode we delve into the importance of a healthy gait, sometimes described as the sixth vital sign. Dr. Bleustein explains the link between the natural ability to take a brisk walk and maximally performing bodily systems, such as the heart, lungs and musculoskeletal. Recorded: January 26, 2021 | Read a transcript and show notes at the LLAMA podcast website.Topics covered in this interview include:Dr. Cliff Bleustein's "eclectic" career, encompassing surgery, research, business and healthcare consulting. Making the shift from treating patients to the business of healthcare Treating osteoarthritis of the knee by changing the way people walk Earlier health management of chronic conditions to improve health outcomesRehabilitation based on physical therapy rather than surgery Purposely including short bursts of exercise during the day for optimum health and maintenance of muscle massThe cumulative impact of exerciseGait - the sixth vital sign and predictor of long life. Walking speed as an indicator of healthThe daily activities that cost nothing and promote physical health The impact of Covid-19 on general healthcare, and the switch to telemedicine Future problems caused by plummeting activity levels during the pandemic The physical and emotional health impact of taking fewer steps a day through working at homeWhy healthcare facilities should be considered safe for preventative interventions, even as Covid continues to be a threatTaking small steps every day to pursue health and longevity. There are only soFlexBeam red light therapyRecharge Health is offering LLAMA listeners an $80.00 discount on the purchase of FlexBeam, the wearable red light therapy device which targets key parts of the body to improve sleep, treat injuries and sooth aches and pains associated with aging.  Use code LLAMA at checkout- DoNotAgeDoNotAge.org is offering listeners to LLAMA a 10% discount on its range of products – NAD boosters, Sirtuin activators, senolytics and more.  Any health queries can be answered by emailing the team at hello@donotage.orgUse the code LLAMA at checkout. - Time-line Mitopure (a highly pure form of Urolithin A) boosts the health of our mitochondria – the battery packs of our cells – and improves muscle strength. Time-line is offering LLAMA listeners a 10% discount on its range of products – Mitopure powders, softgels & skin creams.  Use the code LLAMA at checkout-Support the showThe Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice. If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.