Stop a Stroke with This Many Walks
How many walks do you need to take this week to make a big dent in your stroke risk? Just a handful of 30-minute hikes could have a major impact.
In a study, women who walked at least 2 hours a week -- think 30-minute walk, four times -- were 30 percent less likely to suffer a stroke compared with nonwalkers.
Pace Counts, Too
In the 12-year study, walking pace also played a role in preventing strokes. It paid to focus on more than just a leisurely stroll. In fact, being able to cover 1 mile in 20 minutes was ideal. Women who averaged this pace had a 37 percent lower risk of stroke compared with the nonwalkers. (Do even more for your heart by cutting this much salt from your diet.)
Step by Step
Walking regularly at a moderate pace can lower blood pressure, reduce plaque buildup and inflammation in your arteries, help your blood vessels function better, and improve your blood lipid profile and insulin sensitivity -- all of which help keep your stroke risk low. How fortunate that walking also happens to be one of the easiest exercises around! Get your feet moving today with these simple strategies:
RealAge Benefit:
A physical activity program that builds stamina, strength, and flexibility can make your RealAge as much as 2.8 years younger.
