Scientists say: never worry you’re not walking far enough to make a big difference to your health.
A new study by the European Society of Cardiology suggests the far-reaching benefits of walking kick in earlier previously thought. A daily walk of just a mile (about 2000 steps) is enough to reduce the risk of dying from diseases of the heart and blood vessels; just two miles a day the risk of dying from any cause.
The even better news for 1000 milers is the benefits continue to grow the further you walk – each additional half-mile you walk daily bringing a further 15% reduction in the risk of dying from any cause.
Professor Maciej Banach, of the University of Lodz, Poland has good news for walkers.
Lead researcher Professor Maciej Banach, of the University of Lodz, Poland says: "In a world where we have more and more advanced drugs to target specific conditions such as cardiovascular disease, we should always emphasise that lifestyle changes like walking might be at least as, or even more effective in reducing cardiovascular risk and prolonging lives.”
