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Does Walking Extend Life?
ARE YOU ONLY TO GET in a 15-minute walk as your physical activity of the day? My patients often ask whether walking counts as exercise and are surprised when I answer “absolutely!” Even minimal physical activity is associated with improvements in health.
Do it right, and you may discover your blood pressure goes down, your cholesterol improves, and you can experience memory improvements. In addition, you can reduce your risk for diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and more.
Walking can be central to losing weight, dropping blood pressure and cholesterol, and boosting memory, as well as lowering your risk for diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
I prescribe walking to my patients, a “wonder drug” with health and wellness benefits we often underestimate. Moreover, it’s free, and there are no side effects.
Longevity benefit
Every minute counts. A 2014 University of Utah study discovered this:
For every single minute of brisk walking performed, women dropped their risk of obesity by five percent.
The same institution looked at the power of walking in combating being sedentary. Low-intensity activities (for example, standing) may not be enough to offset the health hazards of sitting for long periods.