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WALKING LOWERS YOUR RISK OF HEART DISEASE
A recent study conducted by researchers at the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas suggests that regular walking may be one of the best exercises for overall fitness. The results from the study indicate that walking can help reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as heart disease, cut blood cholesterol levels, and help raise “good” cholesterol— HDL, the high- density lipoprotein that helps prevent heart attacks.
The research involved over 100 inactive women who were otherwise in good health. All of the women were between 20 and 40 years of age. None of them smoked. The women averaged fewer than three alcoholic drinks a day and did not exercise more than once a week. None of the women had high blood pressure or blood cholesterol levels.
The women were randomly placed in four separate groups— a control group which didn’t exercise, and three groups that walked 3 miles a day, 5 times a week for a minimum of six months. One of the three groups walked at a 20-minute-a-mile pace. Another walked a more brisk 15 minute mile. A third group walked a fast 12 minute mile.
All of the “walking” groups showed significant improvement in risk factors associated with the development of heart disease. Apparently, even at low intensities, walking can provide a dramatic reduction in the risk of coronary disease. Plus, all three groups showed an increase of at least 6% in their blood HDL levels. Even a strolling pace, if it is done on a regular basis, appears to substantially increase high-density lipoproteins or HDL.
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