Walking Linked to Reduction in Likelihood of Stroke for Women, Study Finds

Women who walk at least three hours a week are much less likely to have a stroke than are those who don't or who walk less, according to a story in Reuters.

The story is based on new research coming out of Spain.

"The message for the general population remains similar: regularly engaging in moderate recreational activity is good for your health," lead author José María Huerta of the Murcia Regional Health Authority in Spain told Reuters Health.

Women who were regular walkers saw a 43 percent reduction in stroke risk compared to an inactive group, the study found.

The World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that people do at least 150 minutes - or two-and-a-half hours - of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, per week.