UK physicians have examined results from a total of 13,500 men and women with regard to their risk of stroke, and reported their findings in the journal Neurology . At enrollment the participants, who were between 40 and 79, were free of stroke, heart attack, and cancer. The subject provided information on health and lifestyle, including a questionnaire on physical function.

There were 244 strokes reported during the 11 to 14 years of follow-up. After adjusting for known risk factors for stroke - age, sex, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes social class, alcohol consumption, and respiratory function - it was found that the likelihood of having a stroke was halved in those participants who were in the top 25% of physical fitness.

As an expert says of the report: "This study does not show causation, but clearly, individuals who follow current guidelines for decreasing risk for stroke and general cardiovascular disease - including keeping physically active - have better outcomes. What people need to try to do is to go from where they are to more."

If your exercise routine seems to be in a rut, try to do more, but maybe differently. Perhaps you should get a Wii .

Source

HealthandAge Blog