HHS HealthBeat (February 08, 2008)

Better with walking

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Signs of metabolic syndrome – a large waistline, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol levels, and high blood sugar – can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. 

But becoming physically active can help fight back. 

Johanna Johnson of Duke University Medical Center found that in sedentary, middle aged, overweight men and women. Before they became physically active, 41 percent had metabolic syndrome. Eight months later, only 27 percent did.

``No one should feel they need to buy a fancy pair of shoes and set out for a run five days to appreciate those significant health benefits. A simple brisk walk around the neighborhood for 30 minutes most days of the week will do.’’ (9 seconds)

Johnson notes that those who did more benefited more.

The study in the American Journal of Cardiology was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: February, 08 2008