US Department of Health & Human Services
Promoting Health Through Physical Activity - Fact Sheet – January 13, 2006

The Benefits of Daily WALKing

   • Reduces the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation throughout the body
   • Keeps weight under control
   • Improves blood cholesterol levels
   • Prevents and manages high blood pressure and diabetes
   • Prevents bone loss
   • Boosts energy level
   • Helps manage stress
   • Releases tension
   • Improves the ability to fall asleep quickly and sleep well
   • Improves self-image
   • Counters anxiety and depression and increases enthusiasm and optimism
   • Increases muscle strength, increasing the ability to do other physical activities
   • Provides a way to share an activity with family and friends
   • Establishes good heart-healthy habits in children and counters the conditions (obesity,
      high blood pressure, poor cholesterol levels, poor lifestyle habits, etc.) that lead to heart
      attack and stroke later in life
   • In older people, helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases associated with
      aging and maintains quality of life and independence longer

Adapted from: American Heart Association and National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical Activity and Health: A Report to the Surgeon General, 1996.

WALK and reduce your risk of developing colon cancer

Individuals who are physically active can reduce their risk of developing colon cancer by 40 percent to 50 percent, with the greatest reduction in risk among those who are most active . A decreased risk of colon cancer has been consistently reported for physically active men. Many studies have reported a reduction in colon cancer risk for physically active women. The relationship between physical activity and risk in women, however, has been less consistent . Many researchers believe physical activity aids in regular bowel movements, which may decrease the time the colon is exposed to potential carcinogens . Increased physical activity also causes changes in insulin resistance, metabolism, and hormone levels, which may help prevent tumor development. Physical activity has also been found to alter a number of inflammatory and immune factors, some of which may influence colon cancer risk.

WALK and reduce the risk of developing breast cancer

Physically active women have up to a 40 percent reduced risk of developing breast cancer. Most evidence suggests that physical activity reduces breast cancer risk in women of all ages. Although a lifetime of regular, vigorous activity is thought to be of greatest benefit, women who occasionally engage in physical activity also experience a reduced risk compared to inactive women. A recent major report from the Women's Health Initiative found that among postmenopausal women, walking 30 minutes per day was associated with a 20 percent reduction in breast cancer risk.

WALK and reduce prostate cancer risk

Physical activity probably reduces men's risk for prostate cancer by 10 percent to 30 percent. The likely association between physical activity and prostate cancer is based on a small number of studies that evaluated the role of physical activity in men who developed prostate cancer. Most of these studies indicate that inactive men have higher rates of prostate cancer compared to men who are very physically active.

Source: National Cancer Institute - www.cancer.gov