Sometimes we need to be reminded of all the benefits found in walking. We know that it’s good for us but sometimes we don’t think about the specific benefits in doing so. One of the dilemmas middle-aged people face is increased weight gain in their middle. If there is one trouble area that I have found in recent years to be my thorn in my side it is my middle. The sad thing is that having a heavier middle also increases your risk for heart problems, including heart attacks. Women especially are at an increased risk of developing heart disease.
Well just recently new research has shown yet another added benefit to walking. Walking briskly for just a couple of hours a week is now shown to reduce the risk of stroke. This study involved 39,315 women from around the United States. Their average age was 54 and by the time the study was concluded, it showed that women who walked briskly for at least two hours a week were 37% less likely to suffer a stroke. Brisk walking was also compared to other types of vigorous activity but it was found that the other types of activity did not have the same positive effects.
I didn’t realize this but stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Not only does it rank up high there in death but it disables thousands of people every year. Many times these become life-long disabilities. To think that walking can extend your life is pretty motivating to me.
I am so glad that spring has finally arrived. There is no excuse to not get out there and do some walking. Even if you walk a minimum of 2 hours a week you have the comfort of knowing that you are at the very least, reducing your chances of having a stroke and even better, possibly extending your life.
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Walking – The Great and Easy Exercise