Running For Your Life

Exercise is one of the best ways to stay fit and in-shape. And in a recent study in Manhattan, NY shows that older men who exercise are 63% less likely to have a stroke than men who do not exercise. ScienceDaily reported that this study from an issue in Neurology® included 3,298 people over the age of 69. These people were followed for 9 years. During these 9 years 238 strokes occurred. 41% of these people had not participated in any physical activity. The risk of ischemic stroke for the overall group was 5 years was 4.3%.

Taking part in moderate-to-heavy intensity physical activity may be an important factor in preventing stroke. A large percentage of the paricipants were not taking part in any physical activities. This may be true of many elderly perople who live in cities. Identifying ways to improve physical activity among these people may be a key goal for public health. -Joshua C. Willey, author.

The strange part to this is the fact that women showed no signs in reduced stroke risks. How could this be?

I think that maybe this study was not conducted correctly. How could women show no change in risk but men can? It makes me think that there are specific things for men and women to help cope with general health risks. Maybe there is one for women. Overall I think that this study should be redone with a lot more people and level of activity intensity. Stroke is the number one leading cause of disability in the United States. Maybe exercise can lower this.