Gary Kazanjian/AP
As many as 50 million Americans put themselves at risk for early death simple because they do not go for a 30-minute walk each day, according to leading exercise science researcher.
Presenting data on the links between physical activity and life expectancy at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association, Stephen Blair showed that being a couch potato took six years off men's lives and increased women's risk for developing breast cancer by 55 percent.
Blair also emphasized that failing to exercise or even be active "around the house or yard" raises the likelihood that all people will become obese, suffer from diabetes and experience dementia later in life.
Reflecting on what his findings mean, Blair said, "We need numerous changes to promote more physical activity for all, including public policies, changes in the health care system, promoting activity in educational settings and work sites, and social and physical environmental changes. We need more communities where people feel comfortable walking."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working with some state and local agencies to implement just these kinds of programs.
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