More than 140 million Americans are overweight, of these 66 million are considered obese. People who are obese are more likely to be at risk for heart disease and stroke.
Physical activity has a positive affect in lessening the risk of stroke in men and women. Statistics show that people who engage in moderate physical activity have a 20% lower risk of stroke while those who engage in vigorous physical activity have a 27% lower risk of stroke (Sacco et al.2006).
Recent research suggests that moderate to high levels of physical activity have the following benefits:
· Lowers blood pressure (if high).
· Reduces body weight.
· Enhances vasodilatation (widening of the interior of blood vessels).
· Improves glucose tolerance.
· Promotes cardiovascular health.
The combined death toll from stroke this year from January 1, 2008 to March 28, 2008(9:38 am) is 35,731. This number is staggering in the time span measured. I can’t help but wonder if we all took our health more seriously what would that number be.
