Walk off your risk of stroke

Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the U.S.

And some years ago my wife accidentally cut her risk of dieing this way by one-third. (Here she is last month, taking a long walk to the end of a short pier.)

How? Well, her company moved. The new office is about a kilometer from the nearest train station. Her company made some efforts to get her a bus, but they eventually gave up.

Thank goodness.

Because it turns out that 15-minute walk, done 10 times a week at a steady pace, along with the steps she climbs along the way, is helping extend her life.

Harvard researchers looked at the behavior of over 39,000 women participating in the  Womens Health Study over 12 years. Those who walked just two hours per week at a "brisk rate" -- meaning you can talk but not sing -- dropped their risk of stroke by 37%.

I took a brisk walk myself before coming to my desk this morning, and I can say it conveys many other benefits. I was able to let go of my worries, enjoy the spring scenery, and get right to work rather than waiting for my coffee maker to get me started.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently caused a stir by suggesting walking and bicycling should be part of the country's transportation planning. What's clear from this study is they should also be part of our health planning.

The National Association of Manufacturers called it a job killer. Maybe, but not having sidewalks (as is true on part of my wife's route to work, still) can be a Jenni killer.

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com