The benefits of walking are abundant.

"Walking requires no prescription, the risk of side effects is very low and the benefits are numerous," according to www.aarp.com .

The article "The Numerous Benefits of Walking" details that the activity is good for managing weight, controlling blood pressure, decreasing the risk of heart attack, boosting good cholesterol, lowering the risk of stroke and reducing the risk of breast cancer and type 3 diabetes. Some studies show that a brisk daily walk also can prevent depression, colon cancer and osteoporosis, among other diseases or maladies. It also strengthens muscles, joints and bones, improves sleep and elevates overall mood and sense of well-being.

A steady routine is the most important factor, according to www.aarp.com ; walking for at least 30 minutes a day, five or more days a week is recommended.

There's one more benefit to taking a walk you also can help to raise money or awareness for a number of charities.

With the springtime comes a host of walks for charity. Some are taking place in the next few days; others in the future.

The seventh annual Walk to End Homelessness will take place May 17 at Captain's Cove Seaport in Bridgeport to benefit Alpha Community

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Services. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk through the Black Rock section of Bridgeport is at 9:30 a.m. For information, contact Alpha Community Services, 387 Clinton Ave., Bridgeport, by calling 366-2809 or visit www.cccymca.org and click on Alpha Community Services.

Autism Speaks' seventh annual Westchester/Fairfield Walk Now for Autism will take place on June 8 at Manhattanville College, Purchase, N.Y. Registration is at 9:30 a.m., opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. and the walk begins at 11 a.m. For information, visit www.walknowforautism.org.

The Tri-State Area Race for Research, 5K Walk/Run, to benefit the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, will take place June 8 at New Canaan High School. Start time is 9 a.m. Online pre-registration is $25 at www.mmrfrace.org/tri-state; on-site registration is $30.

The ultimate in walks is the annual Relay For Life to benefit the American Cancer Society at 5 p.m. June 7 to 6 a.m. June 8 at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. The overnight fundraising event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, and brought immense awareness to cancer programs and treatments and the life stories of survivors. To register a team, visit http://main.acsevents.org/rflctfairfield or call the American Cancer Society at 563-0740.