March, 2001

by Mary J. Shomon

A study reported on in the March 21st issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association found that as little as one hour of walking each week can cut a woman's heart disease risk by 50%. Even moderately paced walking can reduce heart disease risk among women, including those who are overweight, smoke, or have high cholesterol.

These recommendations are far less intimidating that previous recommendations, which suggested several hours of vigorous exercise per week is necessary to enjoy heart health benefits. Other findings, however, have shown that vigorous exercise is associated with an even lower risk of heart disease than light exercise, and that women who exercise the most have the lowest rates of heart disease and diabetes.

(SOURCE: The Journal of the American Medical Association 2001;285:1447)