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Women lower stroke risk by taking a walk

Category: General Health

One of the best types of medicine to avoid suffering a stroke is taking a simple walk, researchers say.

A new study shows that women who walk two or more hours per week can significantly reduce their risk of suffering a stroke, according to WebMD. The study followed the exercise habits of 39,315 female health professionals for 12 years. It found that women who did the walking regimen reduced their stroke risk by 30 percent, compared to those who do not walk.

And those who walked at a brisk pace were even more successful. The study concluded that women who walked at a pace of 3 miles per hour or more reduced their stroke risk by 37 percent.

"Physical activity, including regular walking, is an important modifiable behavior for stroke prevention," said Jacob R. Sattelmair, of the Harvard School of Public Health.

The study reinforced similar results from past studies, which have shown that a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of stroke and heart disease for people of either gender. Fortunately, individuals can reduce that risk by performing any type of modest, regular exercise, doctors say. The results of the study could affect millions of Americans, Sattelmair said. Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the U.S., and the third leading cause of death in the country.