Fit as Fido

Regular Walking Proven To Reduce Stroke Risk

04.12.2010 // Fit As Fido // Dawn A. Marcus, M.D. // No Comments

According to the American Heart Association, about 700,000 Americans have a stroke each year. That means one person has a stroke about every 45 seconds! After having a stroke, about one in three people need help to walk and one in four will need help with daily activities. And what’s the best defense against strokes — prevention.

What are the top risk factors for stroke?

- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Smoking

Data from the Women’s Health Study were just published in the medical journal, Stroke. Women in this study were followed for an average of almost 12 years, and walking was shown to significantly reduce stroke risk.

Women’s Health Study highlights

- Walking at least 2 hours weekly reduced stroke risk by 30 percent.

- Walking briskly — more than 3 miles or 4.8 kilometers per hour — reduced stroke risk by 37 percent.

So whistle for Fido, download your free Fit As Fido walking diary, order your copy of Fit As Fido, and help keep your brain and heart healthy. Then you’ll be enjoying dog walks with your Fido for many years to come!