The fear of being diagnosed with a deadly disease like cancer is one most people can relate to, and we’re constantly told which foods to eat and avoid and how to live our lives in order to avoid the big C.
But the newest advice from experts is simple to incorporate into our routines and can be done by nearly everyone; walking.
It’s recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, with exercise linked to a lower risk of numerous cancers, cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Yet it’s been estimated that only around half of Americans manage their 150 minutes.
If the thought of working out is a daunting one, then try walking to boost your health.
“Walking has been described as the ‘perfect exercise’ because it is simple, free, convenient, doesn't require any special equipment or training, and can be done at any age,” Dr. Alpa Patel said of her research, which was conducted by the American Cancer Society.
In the new study, it was found that people who did no other exercise other than walking for more than six hours a week were 35 per cent less likely to die early of respiratory disease and the risk of dying from cancer was nine per cent lower, while cardiovascular disease came in at 20 per cent lower.
But any length of walking can have impressive health benefits, and adding a few more steps into your day is easy. If you drive to your job, then park further away from your place of work and walk the rest. Or if you use public transport, get off one stop early and get on one stop further on. If you’re based at home every day, take a break and walk around the block. And everyone can visit their local park or forest during their downtime to add those all important steps.
© Cover Media
