October 30, 2013
The Los Angeles Times (10/30, Macvean, 3.07M) “Science Now” blog reports that research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that “non-exercise physical activity” may reduce “the risk of a heart attack or stroke by more than a quarter” in older individuals. Investigators “tracked the behavior and health of nearly 4,000 people 60 and older in Stockholm for about 12 1/2 years.”
The NPR (10/30, Shute, 465K) “Shots” blog reports that the researchers found that those “who had been active but not “exercising” at age 60 had a 27 percent lower risk of heart attack and stroke over that time, and a 30 percent lower risk of death.” These individuals had been doing “things like mowing the lawn, housework, fix-it projects, gardening, bicycling, and…’gathering mushrooms or berries.’” The researchers also found that “the most active” participants “had trimmer waists, and better HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and blood glucose levels.” HealthDay (10/30, Reinberg, 5K) and MedPage Today(10/30, Wickline, 122K) also cover the story.
(Article courtesy American Medical Association.)
